By Alieu Ceesay
Kansala FC have been crowned champions of the Bakau Sports Committee Knockout Cup for the 2025 local season.
Pa Malick Bah scored the only goal of the game in the first half, leaving 6&1 searching for an equaliser throughout the encounter, with strikers from each team missing a series of goal-scoring chances.
Kansala reached the final after defeating Kachikally United 1–0, while 6&1 advanced by overcoming Bremen in the semi-final.
Head coach Ousman Bojang of Kansala credited the victory to the determination and tactical discipline of his players, who he said showcased their talents and etched their names into Bakau football history.
“It’s something that we made a promise to, that we would bring the trophy. The tactic is motivation; these players need to be motivated to make them believe themselves hence football is their hobby, that’s what paid dividends today.”
Pa Malick Bah was named Man of the Match and received a special gift, courtesy of Uniq Group, in recognition of his outstanding performance.
The Man of the Match winner dedicated his goal to the fans.
“Last year we ended up in the semifinal so this year we did everything possible to win this, I dedicated this goal to our fans.” He said.
Babucarr Jatta, head coach of the Academy Boys, did not feature on the touchline due to a red card suspension he picked up during the semi-final.
“My absence really counts; I was standing behind the goal post. I am not lucky to be on the bench my assistants couldn’t communicate well with the players, because I know the players more than anyone,” Jatta told the press.
Despite the loss, Jatta congratulated Kansala for their victory.
Kansala went home with a cash prize of eighty thousand dalasis and a giant trophy, while the Academy Boys pocketed sixty thousand dalasis and medals as runners-up.
President of the Bakau Sports Committee, Ousman Drammeh, stated that local football in the coastal town is “going in the right direction” under his administration.
The final was attended by several dignitaries, including officials from the Gambia Football Federation, Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, and other football stakeholders within the region.
