First division and second division teams played their first matches of the round of 32 of the FF Cup in midweek.
BST Galaxy became the biggest winners following their 5-0 win over Samger. Holders Medina Utd were knocked out by an experienced Hawks side while Real de Banjul, Greater Tomorrow, and Brikama advanced following shoot-out wins.
The biggest upset is Colley Stars knocking out Team Rhino thanks to Matar Ceesay’s goal, whereas RS Tallinding and Baalor Sarr went on to knock out First Division teams. The round of 16 is up next with exciting fixtures ready to light up the FF Cup.
Player of the Round
Lamin Marong, Modou Lamin Sallah, and Bakary Jatta, were in stupendous form with the latter scoring a brace. They are all worthy of the player of the first round. However, the Trotters left winger, Abdoulie Danso, got the edge over them. Danso scored a hat trick against Gambia Dutch Lions, his second consecutive match ball winner following his first hat trick against Essau Utd. Danso brought his form to the match and took matters personally despite Unique Global being reduced to 10 men.
BST Galaxy put in a solid performance, building from where they left off against Hawks. They welcome their former coach, Amat Cham, with an annihilation of 5-0, making them the biggest winners in the roundup of 32. Their back-to-back victories have made their form ahead of crucial fixtures in the rundown of the remaining fixtures, starting with the clash against Falcons next week Friday.
Coach Yaffa highlighted that his charges did well.
“The performance of the team is very good, even in games we lost. I believe we weren’t clinical. Recently we have improved in those areas. With the addition of new players, that also helped a lot. We are creating opportunities, and we are not short of creativity. In the last three games we created lots of opportunities. This winning will continue. We have worked hard to get out of that situation, and I believe now the win will boost the morale of the team. We have a bigger squad now.” Coach Malang Yaffa emphasized
Second division teams versus first division teams
Baalor Sarr, Colley Stars, Unique Global, RS Tallinding and GPA edged Banjul Utd, Team Rhino, Dutch Lions, Falcons, and GAF, respectively. It was a one-way affair, with most of the second division teams getting the better command of the game from the get-go. Many expected a walk in the park for the first division teams which was a mirage. Gunjur, Serekunda Utd could have added to their dominant second division side but went on to lose to Brikama Utd and Real de Banjul following a goalless draw.
RS Tallinding talisman Modou Lamin Sallah, who holds the record of the oldest player to play in the FF, says the victory against Falcons will propel the buffer zone boys, who are currently fifth on the log. PAP scored from a counter and later scored after a good press from the buffer zone boys.
“It was a very combative game; we were tactically very disciplined and played according to instructions. The team is doing wonders; we are in very good shape.” Sallah mentioned
PAP, who made his debut in the GFF National League in 2005, is the all-time leading goal scorer in the second division. Says that he looks at himself, which provided the longevity.
“I feel good; age is just a number. Some people are born different. Like I used to tell the young ones, when you are at your young age, try to reserve yourself; you wouldn’t understand unless you were growing older. When I was young, I trained and slept. No partying, nothing. I feel good that still I have the strength. Football is part of me; it’s nice doing what I love and giving out my best.”
Greater Tomorrow, who are currently sitting at the bottom, secured a win against struggling Marimoo, and coach Mankanjang says despite the struggle, FF is a competition they will go all out for.
“This win is needed, and it came at the right time and moment by looking at our virtuous position in the league. We are at the bottom of the table. We are taking this FF Cup seriously with commitment; it will help us to change things in the league. Going far will help the club. We are not taking this FF Cup lightly; we are taking it more seriously than any other club. We need it to change our situation and scenario in the league. We are going all out for this FA Cup.”
Round of 32 results
Greater Tommorow 1 Marimoo 1 (5-4)
GAF 1 GPA 2
RS Tallinding 2 Falcons 0
Real de Banjul 0 Serekunda Utd 0 (5-4)
Hawks 2 Medina Utd 0
Wagadu 0 Hart FC 2
Elite Utd 0 Wallidan 2
Suwo kono 1 Latrikunda Utd 2
Brikama Utd 0 Gunjur 0 (4-2)
Unique Global 3 Gambia Dutch Lions 1
Banjul utd 0 Baalor Sarr 1
Bombada 0 TMT 1
