by Muhammed Dampha
Lahaiba FA stunned Medina FC, winning 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time to lift the Serrekunda East Sports Development Organization (SESDO) 2026 Africell League Cup trophy at the East Mini Stadium.
The much-anticipated final was played before a capacity crowd, with passionate supporters turning out in large numbers to witness the highly anticipated showdown. The final began with both sides eager to take control, as Alagie B. Ceesay fired wide for Lahaiba in the 13th minute. Medina responded through Ebrima Sanneh, whose dangerous delivery into the box was cleared to safety.
Ebrima Danso missed another opportunity for Lahaiba before Sainey Manga produced an excellent save to deny Sanneh from a set-piece in the 31st minute. Despite a cautious exchange of passes, neither side broke the deadlock before the interval leaving the scoresheet empty 0-0.
Both teams returned with renewed determination, but Lahaiba’s captain Alagie B. Ceesay fired wide in the 53rd minute before shoot-stopper Manga brilliantly dealt with Ismaila Sanneh’s corner five minutes later to keep Lahaiba in the contest. Medina FC introduced Omar Bayo for Ansuma Saho in the 75th minute to strengthen their attack.
However, an injury to Lahaiba’s custodian Sainey Manga halted play for nearly seven minutes. With no further meaningful chances created, the final proceeded to penalties, where Lahaiba held their nerve to win 4-3.
Shoot-stopper Sainey Manga of Lahaiba FA was named Man of the Match, receiving a certificate, a pair of boots, D2,000 from Burr Fashion Plug and other valuable prizes.
Reflecting on the historic achievement, Lahaiba FA head coach Alfusainey Sanneh (Zidane) celebrated becoming the first coach to guide a Fajikunda side to the SESDO League Cup title, saying:
“I feel very happy for the first time a team in Fajikunda lifting the SESDO league cup trophy. I have been working for it since last year. Last year we bow out in the semis so I said to myself this year we must lift the trophy and thank God we are champions. To our fans we can’t pay them because they sacrifice they are all just for the team so I can’t pay them just to say thank you.” Sanneh said.
Meanwhile, Medina FC head coach Haruna Jabang (Rone) expressed his disappointment after another painful final defeat, saying:
“The mood is that am not happy but for us we have to take it in good faith and congratulations to Lahaiba FA. Well today I believe that the boys play a little bit of communication but all I think it was a hard game for us nonetheless we didn’t play up to our maximum. Loosing back to back finals to me is a disappointment to my side I wasn’t expecting this result. For the fans, I feel very sorry for them because I knew what they have been going through since the start of the Nawettan and the preparation they did. For us coming here losing a final without giving them the trophy is a very big disappointment.” Jabang highlighted.
As champions Lahaiba FA received gold medals, the giant trophy and D100,000 in prize money, while Medina FC collected silver medals and D70,000 as runners-up.
It is worth recalling that Medina FC, one of SESDO’s most decorated clubs, have now suffered back to back final defeats, ending another campaign without silverware. In contrast, Lahaiba FA have written a new chapter in their history. Just two years after earning promotion to the Nawettan proper, the Fajikunda-based side have secured their maiden League Cup title, announcing themselves among SESDO’s champions.
