By Alieu Ceesay
After ten long years of heartbreak, near misses, and lost finals, Exodus FC have finally conquered rural Gambia’s most competitive and lucrative football tournament the Kerewan Samba Sira Summer Nawettan organized by the Kerewan Samba Sira Sports Committee and proudly sponsored by ActionAid International The Gambia.
The club, established in 1987, had been living on memories of its former glory days. In the past decade alone, Exodus reached six finals and lost every single one all on home soil in Kerewan Samba Sira. But on October 25, 2025, fate finally smiled their way.
Their opponents, Kawral FC, a formidable side representing seven communities within Lower Fulladu, were familiar faces. Since joining the Kerewan Samba Sira Nawettan in 2023, Kawral have faced Exodus three times, losing twice in semi-finals (2023 and 2024) before meeting them again on the grandest stage for the D75,000 championship prize.
In the buildup, the talk was fierce. Exodus fans chanted, “Kawral is not our problem,” while Kawral supporters warned, “This time, the story will change.” The air was thick with anticipation as thousands packed the Kerewan Samba Sira Football Field for what many dubbed “the final of the decade.”
From the opening whistle, both teams displayed attacking intent, but Exodus dominated possession and dictated the tempo — desperate to end their ten-year curse. In the 38th minute, the breakthrough came: a long ball from the center-back found the Exodus striker, who delivered a clever assist to right winger Omar Jarju. Jarju, composed and clinical, slotted the ball into the net, sending the packed crowd into wild celebration.
That lone goal proved decisive. Despite late pressure from Kawral, Exodus’ defense stood resolute — described by one spectator as “a wall built with emotion and revenge.” When the final whistle blew, the pitch erupted in tears, joy, and disbelief. Exodus had finally done it — champions at last.
The victory was historic in every sense. Exodus not only lifted the D75,000 giant trophy, but also swept individual accolades.
Emmanuel Jatta won Best Goalkeeper, Fakebba Susso claimed Best Player, Karim Jallow was named Best Coach, and the Exodus Fans Club received the Best Fans Club award. Each awardee pocketed cash prizes — D5,000 for Best Coach and D2,500 for the others along with certificates. Even more impressively, the team finished the tournament unbeaten, scoring 13 goals and conceding just one.
Head coach Karim Jallow, visibly emotional, could barely hold back tears after the final whistle.
“They said I don’t have luck. They said I don’t know football. They even wanted me gone,” he said. “But today, after ten years of patience, hard work, and faith, it has happened. We’ve cried for too long — six finals, no victory. Now, we are champions, with an unquestionable record.”
The triumph has instantly reignited the legacy of Exodus FC a club reborn after years in the wilderness. From the villages of Kerewan Samba Sira to the diaspora, the celebrations continue, echoing a simple truth: patience, perseverance, and belief can break any curse.
And in rural Gambia’s football folklore, October 25, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day Exodus FC finally crossed their promised land.
