By Lamin Fadera
JIFA FC of Kiang Jifarong missed out on a place in the third Division in LRR following a 4-3 post-match penalty defeat against William FC of Jarra Japineh in the playoff played at Kiang Geneire playing ground.
In an intriguing game at Kiang Geneire, both teams were optimistic about booking a place in the Third Division.
JIFA FC missed two great chances in the opening five minutes following Karamo Njie’s overhead kick, which went inches off the post, while Seedy Kinteh failed to capitalize on a defensive blunder to the mercy of the defenders.
William FC of Jappineh skipper Ebrima Sanneh’s through ball found Ismaila Sarr, who delightfully chipped the ball into the net to open scoring for Jarra Jappineh William FC in the 18th minute.
JIFA FC responded in the 29th minute following Karamo Njie’s header from a corner kick to equalize for JIFA FC.
William FC’s goalkeeper Lamin Drammeh made two brilliant saves at the stroke of full-time to deny JIFA FC the winning goal, and the game was forced to penalties.
William FC capitalized on two missed penalties from GIFA FC to win the playoff 4-3 in a post-match penalty shootout. After four attempts, William FC of Jarra Jappineh booked a place in the 3rd Division.
An emotional William FC Coach, Musa Dampha, said he is delighted to help the team qualify for their 4th attempt after falling short on three occasions.
Dampha believes that those who criticized his team are proven wrong.
” A lot of people are saying this team will not progress. That’s why I was crying when we booked qualifications. I told my players that we have to prove all doubters wrong, and we have done it,” Dampha told the Alkamba Times Sports.
JIFA FC head Coach Pa Njie’s side couldn’t hold his tears after his team’s defeat against William FC.
This is their first attempt at the qualifications for the 3rd Division, and they missed out in the playoffs.
He attributed JIFA FC’s defeat to a lack of luck and inexperience. He said their main objective is to keep the young players busy to avoid the players involved in illicit drugs or taking irregular routes to Europe.
” I feel very sorry for my players; they are all sad. We want our plays to focus and be inspired to play here. We don’t want them to take the irregular journey. Our players want to become professionals in the future.” Pa Njie told TAT.
Seedy Jobe is the head of the organizing committee of the Lower River Regional Football Association.
He said this year, they targeted 20 teams to participate. Still, unfortunately, they got only 17, and only five teams will qualify for the 3rd Division. The qualifying teams will join the 11 remaining teams to make it 16 in the 3rd Division.
