By: Alieu Ceesay
The vibrant coastal town of Bakau is once again alive with the sounds of football as 32 teams compete in this year’s Nawettan tournament. With the coveted D100,000 prize up for grabs, every match has been fiercely contested, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season.
The group stage of the competition kicked off with a flurry of exciting matches. In a dominant display, Zuwa FC overwhelmed Junior Arms with a resounding 4-0 victory. Modou Jammeh scored, while Modou Sanneh, affectionately known as “Pele” after the Brazilian legend, stole the show with a hat trick. His stellar performance earned him D1,000 and a football as a reward for his feat.
Elsewhere, Bantangkoto suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Prime Saudi, with Yankuba Sanyang netting the only goal of the game.
Depo Lions Stars FC, based in Fajara Barracks, secured a 2-1 victory against 5 Junction. Mustapha Wally and Lamin Wally both found the back of the net for Depo, while Yankouba Janko scored the lone goal for the Junction Boys.
Vidar FC delivered a strong performance, defeating Julangel 4-2. Sarjo Korta was the star of the match, scoring a hat-trick, with Musa Bojang adding a fourth goal. Fakebba Dampha and Padodo Lowe scored for Julangel.
United Boys managed a 1-0 win over Fajara Barracks, with Serajo Bah scoring the decisive goal.
Senior Lions (Old Hands) were defeated 3-1 by Red Stars, with goals from Abdou Kalou, Ousman Saine, and Kebba Sanno. Gambia’s former striker, Assan Jatta, scored the consolation goal for the Senior Lions.
Six & One triumphed 2-1 over Kolonding, thanks to a brace from Ebrima Dampha. Abdoulie Conteh scored the only goal for Kolonding.
Knockout holders Ron Mango were held to a goalless draw by Mamakoto, while Samtom Academy edged out Birmingham 1-0, with Bully Sanneh scoring the only goal.
Fajara South took the lead in their group standings after a 1-0 victory over Sare Yaffa FC, courtesy of a goal from Muhammad L. Sanneh. Vietnam Border also secured a 1-0 win against Fajara United, with Lamin Ceesay finding the net.
Farokono drew 1-1 with Fajara M Section. Muhammed Drammeh’s own goal initially put Farokono ahead, but Ebrima Manga’s powerful strike leveled the score.
Kansala recorded a 3-1 victory over Wasulung, with Essa Jallow scoring twice and Abdou Kebbeh adding a third. Lamin Sama scored the consolation goal for Wasulung.
Matti Bi secured a 1-0 win against Bremen, with Modou Lamin Njie on the scoresheet. Meanwhile, Linguere played out a goalless draw against three-time champions Luniburg.
Finally, Super Cup holders Kachi made a successful start to their campaign, narrowly defeating newly promoted Watever 1-0, with Gibriel Camara scoring the decisive goal.
