Medina United on Monday etched their name into Gambian football history after a 1-0 victory secured the club’s first-ever Gambia Football Federation First Division League title in their debut top-flight campaign.
The Petroleum Boys were awarded a penalty against Steve Biko FC, and Salifu Colley made no mistake from the spot to give Fortune a crucial lead. With Medina United being held at the time, Fortune briefly found themselves on course to be crowned champions.
However, the title race took another dramatic twist deep into stoppage time when Adama Kanteh struck in the 90+1 minute against GPA, denying Fortune the championship. The goal was his eighth league goal of the season and his third in consecutive league matches.
Head coach Alieu Jagne spoke to The Alkamba Times after the final whistle at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium, reflecting on a remarkable season that saw Medina United defy expectations. The former Hawks FC tactician claimed his fourth major trophy, his second league title, and his second trophy with Medina United.
“We struggled a bit in the first round because the team was very young,” Jagne said. “We were trying to find the right balance between defending and attacking. Defensively, we had some difficulties, but what we were implementing paid dividends in the second round.”
The coach highlighted the consistency of his defensive unit as a key factor behind their success.
“Our back three played 18 consecutive games together. As a coach, that consistency is very important. We stopped conceding goals in the second round and improved significantly going forward.”
Jagne also praised midfielder Paul Colley, whose return from trials with English club Nottingham Forest proved crucial to Medina United’s title charge.
“Paul helped us a lot in the second round. We missed his quality in the first round, but after his return, we lost only one game in the last 18 matches, drew three, and won the rest.”
According to Jagne, survival was initially the club’s primary objective after earning promotion to the top division.
“Medina United is a young team. We came into the season looking to maintain our status in the league, but when the opportunity arose, we took our chances. This title is a huge motivation for the team, and the management has already registered the club for the CAF Champions League preliminary round.”
The league triumph also carries personal significance for the experienced coach.
“This title means a lot to me. It will strengthen my CV and is a major achievement. Winning league titles with two different clubs is very rare in Gambian football. It enhances your reputation because, as a coach, whenever you join a club, you want to achieve something and write your name in its history.”
He added: “It’s a big accomplishment to surpass the achievement of Augustine’s team, which was promoted and won the league at the first attempt. This is a great achievement for the entire technical team.”
Looking back on the campaign, Jagne emphasized that every match played a role in their success.
“Every match was important. There were games that really boosted our confidence. The win against Fortune FC was crucial because it took us to the top of the table. The Bombada game was also important because they were chasing us closely.”
“Collecting three points in every game was vital, and even some draws proved important. The victory against Gambia Dutch Lions gave us extra confidence heading into the final game of the season.”
Medina United’s title-winning campaign marks one of the most remarkable achievements in recent Gambian football history, as the newly promoted side became league champions at the first time of asking and now prepare to represent The Gambia in continental competition.
At the Late Ousman Saho Football Field, Brikama United fought back from behind to earn an entertaining 3-3 draw against Gambia Dutch Lions in one of the most thrilling matches of the day.
Elsewhere, Samger FC were unable to hold on to their advantage as Sulayman Sowe found the back of the net for Hawks FC, denying the academy side a crucial victory.
TMT FC boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 victory over Team Rhino, securing a relegation playoff spot. The Abuko-based club finished the campaign strongly, collecting seven points from their final three league matches to keep their hopes of top-flight football alive.
The final standings confirmed the relegation of Steve Biko FC and Samger FC to the GFF Second Division League for next season.
In the race for the Golden Boot, Gambia Dutch Lions striker Ibrahim Diallo finished as the league’s leading scorer with 12 goals, capping off an impressive individual campaign despite his side’s draw on the final day.
Hawks 1 Samger 1
Dutch lions 3 Brikama utd 3
Fortune 1 Steve Biko 0
BST Galaxy 4 Bombada 1
Real de Banjul 2 Greater Tommorow 3
Falcons 2 Hart fc 1
Team Rhino 1 TMT 2
