By: Alieu Ceesay
The sandy football field of Kartong was the stage for an electrifying match. Bright Star won the Kartong Junior Cup tournament, overcoming Balanta Kunda FC 6-5 in a tense penalty shootout.
Balanta Kunda FC made an early impression, with Piere Tamba scoring in the 15th minute following a precise cross from Augustus Suwareh. They maintained their lead through the first half despite Bright Star’s strong defensive efforts.
The game was characterized by physical play from both sides, with Balanta Kunda retaining their advantage until halftime. However, the momentum shifted just three minutes into the second half when Edrisa Sonko of Bright Star equalized, significantly raising the match’s intensity.
Penalties ultimately decided the final. Balanta Kunda’s sixth attempt hit the crossbar, allowing Bright Star to seize the championship and unseat the defending champions.
Balanta Kunda’s head coach, Bambo Tamba, reflected on the loss, citing a lapse in focus despite leading in the first half. “I think we lost the game simply because we didn’t focus,” he remarked while commending his team for their strong performance. Balanta Kunda had reached the final after defeating Hygan FC on penalties in the semifinals.
Bright Star’s head coach, Foday Cham, expressed his satisfaction with the win, noting, “We gathered all our boys to come together for this game to avoid humiliation.” Cham emphasized that the victory was particularly gratifying after his team was eliminated in last year’s competition’s semifinals. Bright Star secured its place in the finals with a decisive win against Leicester.
Several players received recognition for their exceptional performances in the Kartong Junior Cup tournament. Edrisa Sonko of Bright Star was honored as the Man of the Match, while Augustus Suwareh was awarded the Most Disciplined Player of the competition.
Notable figures attended the final, including Sulayman Touray, President Barrow’s official Photographer, who served as the guest of honor. Touray contributed D10,000 to support grassroots football development in Kartong, a gesture that will benefit the Kartong Sports Committee’s future initiatives.
