Medina United moved to the top of the GFF First Division standings after matchday 24, overtaking Gambia Ports Authority and Fortune FC to open a two-point lead at the summit.
The newly promoted side came from behind to defeat Fortune FC 2–1, thanks to a second-half brace from experienced midfielder Ebou Sanyang.
Following the final whistle, Alkamba Times Sports Desk spoke to Medina head coach Alieu Jagne, Ebou Sanyang, Jawla of Greater Tomorrow FC, and league analyst Hamadi Kebbeh.
Meanwhile, Greater Tomorrow registered back-to-back victories after an impressive display against GPA.
Medina United have emerged as the most consistent side in the second round, losing just once and drawing once in their last 10 matches.
“The mentality we installed in the players is simply to maintain our status in the league, with no pressure attached. Whatever comes our way, we will take it. We are focused game by game and not on positions,” said Medina coach Alieu Jagne.
Ebou Sanyang’s brace against his former club took his tally to six and seven goals for the season and lifted Medina to the top of the table for the first time.
“We will stay humble because Medina is still a very young team in its first season in the top flight. Our target is to maintain a top-three position, but if the opportunity to win the league comes, why not? We want to make history,” Sanyang stated.
The veteran midfielder also praised the club’s environment and ambition:
“Medina is a wonderful club with a great vision. Most of the players are young and I try to guide them with my experience. I am happy they are listening and improving.”
At the other end of the table, Greater Tomorrow FC handed GPA their fifth defeat of the season, moving up to 12th place and opening a five-point gap above the relegation playoff zone.
Coach Jawla believes his side can still push higher up the table
“I always tell my players there is no team better than them in this country. We are taking it game by game and trying to improve our finishing. If we keep winning, we can fight for a top five finish or even higher.”
“Mentally and physically, the team is now mature. Any day we take our chances; we can beat any side in the league.” He added:
League analyst Hamadi Kebbeh also highlighted Medina’s consistency and discussed the title race, relegation battle, and standout performers.
“Medina United are currently the most consistent team in the second round. If they win three of their last six matches, they will likely become champions. Their experienced coach and senior players give them an edge.”
On the Golden Boot race, Kebbeh noted the inconsistency among scorers:
“There was a period when Dutch Lions’ Ibrahim Diallo was scoring regularly, then Medina’s Paul Colley went on a seven-game scoring streak. Right now, Pa Yusupha Jammeh is in form. Teams in general have improved their goalscoring form over the past three weeks, with Hart FC and Greater Tomorrow FC leading the way offensively.”
The relegation battle, however, remains wide open despite Greater Tomorrow’s run of three consecutive victories. Several clubs are still involved in the fight for survival, including BST Galaxy, Steve Biko FC, Team Rhino, Samger FC, and Hawks FC.
Greater Tomorrow currently appear to have the advantage because of their strong form and momentum. Steve Biko could also benefit from home advantage, with three of their remaining six matches set to be played in Bakau.
For Samger and Team Rhino, survival will be much more difficult, while Hawks may still have a chance if they can collect six points from their remaining fixtures.
Finally, the football expert praised Sulayman Njie of Brikama United, describing him as one of the brightest midfield talents in the league.
“Sulayman Njie is a fantastic all-round midfielder. Despite this being his first season in the top division, he has shown hunger and maturity. His partnership with Samba Jatta has been excellent, and he can help Brikama United finish strongly this season.”
