The Tallinding Kunjang-based Milan FC were on Friday crowned champions of the Serekunda East knockout tournament following 3-0 post-match penalty shoot-out win over Future Stars FC, after a goalless stalemate in the regulation time. The encounter that attracted hundreds of fans, including GFF officials, was played at the Serekunda East Mini-Stadium.
The Tallinding giants Milan FC this year showed respectable performances in the Serekunda East Nawettan. They had only a single draw and won all their matches, leading them to both (league and knockout) finals in this year’s Nawettan.
Willingara’s Future Stars, a young side in the Serekunda East proper Nawettan, managed to book their place in the knockout competition but the Milan FC side shattered their hopes of becoming champions.
As winners the knockout champions, Milan FC, went home with a giant trophy and a cash prize of D25, 000, while the runners-up pocketed a consolation prize of D20, 000
Speaking in an interview with reporters after the final whistle, the head coach of Milan FC, Ebrahim Kalil Dumbuya expressed delight for their triumph in the knockout tournament, adding that he is very proud of his players for making use of every opportunity they got throughout this tournament.
According to him they had prepared themselves very well for the penalty shoot-out.
Dumbuya however congratulated his opponent for making a respectable performance during the final, while wishing them success in the future.
Sang Paul Mendy, the assistant coach of Future Stars FC, thanked his players for their wonderful performances in the entire tournament, noting that even though luck was not on their side, they have achieved what they expected from their players.
Their head coach was given a definite suspension for the final, but the assistant coach said the absence of their head coach didn’t affect the team, noting that their game plans worked for them well as they were only defeated on penalty shoot-out.
Milan FC last won a trophy in 2013 but this season they have made to both finals. Winning this knockout will boost their morals, as they will play Medina FC in the league final on Sunday.
by Jainaba D. Jatta