By Alieu Ceesay,
For the first time in their decades-long history, Bremen FC have stormed into the semi-finals of both the Bakau Sports Committee Nawettan knockout and league competitions, ending years of heartbreak at the quarter-final stage.
The Bremen boys, who train daily on the sandy pitch of Bakau Lower Basic School, finally broke their quarter-final curse spectacularly. In the knockout competition, they edged past neighbours Lingereh FC 4-2 on penalties after a tense draw, then dispatched newcomers Inter Bakau and Energetic Academy 5-4 in another shootout thriller to reach the last four.
Head coach Mamburama Jammeh had made it clear from the start: anything short of the semi-finals would be failure. “Our target was to go beyond the quarter-final where we crashed out last year,” Jammeh told The Alkamba Times Sports. “If we didn’t pass the quarters, the season would have been a failure. Now we’re in double semi-finals – we are grateful.”
Bremen remain unbeaten this season and have conceded just one goal in regular time across all matches – a remarkable defensive record that has made them the team to beat.
In a fiery local derby, Lingereh FC gained sweet revenge over rivals Zuwa FC, winning 3-2 on penalties after 90 goalless minutes to advance in the knockout. The result avenged a painful quarter-final defeat at the hands of Zuwa years ago. “Today was revenge day,” declared Lüneburg coach Omar Joof. “I told the boys we had to pay them back – and we did. Now I’m expecting the final. Whoever we face, we will win.”
Lingereh, also unbeaten and yet to concede in regular time, had earlier beaten Kachikally 1-0 but failed 4-3 on penalties to Samtom Academy in the knockout.
Kansala FC continued their strong campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Fajara United on Monday, earning a double semi-final spot of their own. Defender Alieu Ceesay was named man-of-the-match for his commanding display. Coach Ousman Bojang now prepares for a classic Old Bakau derby against Kachikally. “It’s a derby, but it’s football,” Bojang said. “We respect them, but we have our plan to win.”
Meanwhile, Six&One FC maintained their 100% record with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Milco Sport World on Tuesday to seal top spot in the league semi-finals. Coach Babucarr Jatta credited intense pre-season preparation: “The hard work and quality training – that’s the secret. The boys are pushing, and I’m confident we can win the double.”
Six&One will face Lüneburg in the league semi-final on 6 December at Bakau Football Park in what promises to be a blockbuster clash.
As the nawettan reaches fever pitch, Bakau’s football faithful are bracing for an unforgettable finale. TAT Sports will bring you every goal, drama, and celebration as the quest for glory intensifies.
