The head coach of Brikama zonal team, John Ndure has expressed optimism of wining a silverware after collecting the maximum points in their opening FIBank-sponsored Super Nawettan game against Manjai in Group A, played at the Independence Stadium in Bakau on Saturday.
The opening game was watched by the executive of the GFF, officials of the sponsor FIBank, and fans of both zones.
Super nawettan or zonals, as it is widely called, remains the most-followed and cherished local football tournament in The Gambia.
Brikama defeated Manjai by 1-0 through Dembo Darboe’s 20th minute goal. Dembo Darboe could have extended the lead for his side after his side was awarded a penalty but failed to convert the penalty in the 63rd minute.
Alieu Jammeh of Brikama was sent-off by the central referee Isatou Touray after elbowing the Manjai midfielder in the 72nd minute.
Coach Ndure further said that collecting the maximum points in their opening of the Super Nawettan tournament was very important for them, noting that with the caliber of offensive players they have, they can punish any opponent.
His offensive players, he went on, are all good players with a good pace.
He commended his opponent (Manjai) for their wonderful performance.
Omar Jobe, head coach of Manjai zonal team was a disappointed man at the end of the game.
According to him, Brikama dominated the entire first half because his team was not playing with urgency.
“In my opinion, I think we played better in the second half. At the break, we rectified our mistakes from the first half.”
Elsewhere on Sunday, BEM defeated 2004 champions Lamin 1-0 in a game played at the Serrekunda East Mini-Stadium.
by Arfang MS Camara &
Modou Lamin Drammeh