Gambian foreign-based weekend round-up, week 19. Omar Colley continues his goal scoring form and he is second after Alfusainey Gassama as the Gambians with the most goals in 2024 so far.
France
Ablie Jallow was handed his tenth league start when Metz hosted Rennes. Jallow, who is the Gambia’s top scorer in the Nations Cup, assisted Mikautadze for the opener in the 17th minute. Jallow has now scored three goals and assisted two in 17 league appearances. Metz, who led twice, saw the much-needed three points eludem them at Saint-Symphorien thanks to Kalimuendo’s 90+2 minute goal.
Grenoble F38 emerged winners against Concarneau at the Stade des Alpes, 2-1. Abdoulie Sanyang was handed a start and lasted 62 minutes before later being replaced by Thio.
SO Cholet left it late against fifth-place Le Mans to settle for a 3-3 draw. Yankuba Jarju came from the bench to score his ninth league goal. Jarju connected well to a swinging ball much to the delight of the travelling fans.
Turkey
Besiktas edged Rizespor 3–2. Omar Colley scored his seventh league goal by putting Besiktas level in the 7th minute. Four of Omar’s seven goals were scored at the Tüpraş Stadyumu, as the Gambian captain is currently the defender with the most goals in the Turkish Super League. The Black Eagles have moved to fourth on the log.
MEK Ankaragucu registered a back-to-back draw following their 1-1 draw at home against Alanyaspor. Ayin Ayin’s 90+5 minute penalty denied MEK all three points, as Ali Sowe lasted 61 minutes.
Italy
Ebrima Darboe returned from a minor knock to feature in the Sampdoria 1-0 victory over Reggiana, courtesy of an Esposito first-half strike. The victory, which saw the Gambia midfielder play for 67 minutes, has put Sampdoria in the playoff position.
Belgium
Alieu Fadera replaced El Ouahdi in the 58th minute in Genk’s 4-1 away defeat against Cercle Brugge.
Estonia
Ebrima Jarju kept his second clean sheet of the season following Paide’s 2-0 win over Tallinn Kalev. Goals from Gerdo and Robi Saarma handed Paide their sixth win of the season. Paide has lost four games so far in the campaign.
Denmark
AC Horsens are unbeaten in their last five games, winning four and drawing one following their 1-0 win against FC Helsingor. Alagie Saine replaced Mikke Lassen in the 84th minute to add to the visitor’s defensive block.
Qatar
The Stars League playoff between Al Markhiya and Al Shahaniya ended 3-1 in favour of Al Shahaniya goals from Rubio, Shanab, and Ibrahim. Yusupha Njie assisted Fettouhi for the equaliser in the 76th minute.
Bangladesh
Pa Omar Babou put Fortis ahead in the 32nd minute, but the lead was cut short when Nigerian defender Ogungbe found the equaliser for Sheikh Russells in the 36th minute of the game. The visitor’s found themselves behind this time through Saijb.
Tunisia
Ahmad Ndow was handed a start in Stade de Tunis 2-0 win over CAF Champions League finalist Esperance de Tunis. Goals came late from Oumarou and Sahraoui, as they secured all three points at home.
Tanazina
Gibril Sillah scored his first cup goal as Azam reached the semifinals of the CRDB Federation Cup. Sillah set up the first and third goals before putting the ice on the cake with a sublime right-foot shot, finding the bottom left corner. Azam put four passed Namungo FC at the Azam complex, as Sillah has now contributed four goals in the league cup (three assists and one goal).