By Muhammed Dampha
Jarington have been crowned Serekunda West Sports Organization (SWESO) Knockout Cup champions after edging Happapa 5-4 on penalties following a tense goalless draw in regulation time at Serekunda West Mini Stadium.
The final got off to a lively start, with Dembo Jallow brought down inside the penalty area in the sixth minute. However, referee Bahrama Cham waved away Jarington’s penalty appeals. Jallow later unleashed a powerful effort that went narrowly wide in the 24th minute before Ousman G. Drammeh tested Happapa goalkeeper Alphonse Jarju, who produced an impressive save in the 32nd minute.
Neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval as both teams adopted a cautious approach and remained defensively disciplined. The contest resumed with Happapa pushing for an opener, but their penalty appeal in the 54th minute was also waved away after captain Momodou S. Jallow went down inside the box. Both technical benches introduced substitutions in search of a winning formula, but neither defence surrendered.
With no breakthrough after regulation time, the final was settled from the penalty spot. Jarington held their nerve to triumph 5-4 and lift the coveted trophy. Their goalkeeper, Sulayman Drammeh, was rewarded for his outstanding performance with the SWESO Knockout Cup Man of the Match award.
Speaking after the triumph, Jarington head coach Bamuhtar Drammeh thanked God, his players and supporters, while dedicating the historic achievement to the club’s 1996 generation.
“I thank God, the players and the fans for the victory. Anyone who knows Jarington knows how much we invest and contribute to SWESO. It has been long overdue, but thank God we have finally clinched the trophy. I dedicate this victory to the 1996 team because, after almost 30 years, we have finally broken the record,” he said.
Meanwhile, Happapa head coach Abdoulie Camara reflected on the disappointment, highlighting the emotional significance of reaching the final after an 11-year wait and his team’s ambition to dedicate the trophy to the late Jatou Cham.
“I thank God, the players and the fans. We knew it was a final and would not be an easy game. We gave our best, but the penalty shootout decided the winner. It is emotional because it has been 11 years since we reached a final. Our wish was to win and dedicate the trophy to the late Jatou Cham, but God decided otherwise, and we accept it in good faith,” Camara said.
As winners Jarington walked away with the giant trophy, gold medals and D70,000 in prize money, while Happapa received silver medals and D50,000 as runners-up.
