By Alieu Ceesay
Sanchaba Football Club emerged winners of the Brufut Youth and Sports Development Committee Knockout Cup after a hard-fought and entertaining final against Scanaid, played at the Sandy Football Field in Brufut.
The stakes were high for Sanchaba, as defeat would have placed them on the relegation list following a disappointing league campaign. Determined to avoid that outcome, Sanchaba produced a spirited performance.
The decisive moment came in the ninth minute of the second half when Lamin Saro scored the only goal of the match, following brilliant play by Lamin Manneh, who provided the assist.
Saikou Jobe, head coach of the knockout champions, attributed the victory to lessons learned from their league struggles, which forced him to rethink his tactical approach.
“We play from the back to build and more direct football, it’s a local football sometimes the ground are not good so we rectify all this to make it a back to back.” Coach of Sanchaba
The victory secures Sanchaba’s place in the league next season. They reached the final after defeating Kinebaring 1–0 in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Scanaid, an academy side, made history in the country’s local nawettan competition by progressing from a school team to community football and reaching the final for the first time.
The students displayed raw talent on the sandy field as they fought for glory but failed to capitalize on their chances to break through Sanchaba’s defense.
Reacting to the defeat, Scanaid head coach Amadou BB Jatta remained optimistic.
“we will come back stronger, next stronger ” He further described the loss as an opportunity for growth.
“This is leaning point for me, my kids and to my management we realize that there is always a room for improvement we will go back to the drawing board and work on those things to improve.” He added.
Sanchaba pocketed D60,000 and a giant trophy, while runners-up Scanaid received D40,000. Both teams were also decorated with medals.
In addition, D100,000 was presented to the sports committee by the Alkalo and his delegation. Jerseys were also given to both teams as part of their prizes, courtesy of the Susso Foundation.
This year’s Knockout Cup trophy was named in honour of the Alkalo of the community Mr Malamin Kajorr Manneh.
