By Lamin Fadera
Kiang Joli defeated Kiang Karantaba 1-0 in the ongoing Inter Village tournament-opening match played at the Julafarr Mini Stadium on Saturday 7th, October 2023.
Modou Marie of Kiang Joli’s goal in the 31st minute with a simple tapping in the six-yard was enough for his side to inflict their third consecutive victory over Karantaba in four matches.
Karantaba had themselves to blame after Yaya Ceesay missed a penalty at the stroke of full-time.
Coach Alieu Marong’s Kiang Karantaba attributed the defeat to a lack of luck despite dominating the possession in the game.
“We were very unlucky today; we dominated the play but couldn’t take on our chances. The only chance Joli had was what they scored. I would be upset if we didn’t perform well. Our most formidable opponent is Joli.
“We will go back to the drawing board and prepare for the next match because we were the champions here two years ago. I believe we can win the title again, “Marong told The Alkamba Time Sports.
Joli Coach Lamin Bass said his side deserved the victory.
“We knew we would win today; looking at our records, we won three of our four meetings against Karantaba. That’s why we were motivated coming into this game.” Bass said.
Veteran Footballer Rewarded
Coach Omar Sise, a native of Kiang Keneba, donated a tracksuit to veteran footballer Hamang Njie.
The former U20&23 coach Omar Sise said people who contributed immensely to football development should be honored and appreciated for what they have done for their respective regions.
He described Hamang Njie as one of the best-talented players during the late 1980s.
“When I came to watch football here, I saw him standing behind. I was shocked because many young people don’t know Hamang Njie. So that’s why I said today we have to reward him with a gift to show our appreciation and respect for him. I want to continue more of this so that our veterans will be awarded, and it will help the young people to know who they are and what they have done in the region, “Coach Sise said.
Alfusainou Ceesay highlights the importance of having a mini stadium in Kiang West. He believes the region can produce more talent that will benefit the country.
Mustapha Ceesay and Omar Bajinka share similar sentiments.
