It was another weekend of goals for Gambian footballers abroad, with Sanna Jobe and Muhammed Hydara joining Abubacarr Barry, Abdoulie Ceesay, Salieu Drammeh and Abdoulie Sanyang on the scoresheet.
In Latvia, Modou Saidy and Haruna Rashid Njie celebrated league title success as RFS were crowned Tonybet Virsliga champions for the fourth time.
However, there were injury concerns for Alieu Fadera and Abdoulie Manneh, who were both substituted after picking up knocks. Fadera reportedly suffered a hamstring injury.
ENGLAND
Ebou Adams was introduced at half-time as Portsmouth played out a goalless draw against Burnley. It was the fourth consecutive time he has been introduced as a substitute during Portsmouth’s unbeaten run.
Speaking about his recent role off the bench, Adams admitted his frustration but maintained his commitment to the team.
“It’s a difficult one because it’s not my forte and I don’t like it. It’s frustrating, but I’m a team player.
“If the gaffer doesn’t pick me, then I just have to wait for the opportunity to come on and show him that I should be starting.
“But it happens to everyone at some point and I’m happy that I’m still able to make a positive impact on the team.
“I’ve got full belief in those guys who are starting at the moment. They’re doing really well and I have to respect that.”
Meanwhile, Lamin Sillah returned from a hand injury to feature for 65 minutes in Gillingham’s 2-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town at Croud Meadow on Saturday afternoon.
ITALY
Alieu Fadera had been enjoying consecutive starting appearances for Cagliari, but his latest outing against Lazio was cut short after just 32 minutes due to a suspected hamstring injury.
Despite his early departure, Fadera made an impact, providing the assist for Nzola’s goal in the 20th minute. Cagliari are now winless in their last four league matches, while Fadera has made nine appearances this season.
Elsewhere, Cesena were held to a 2-2 home draw by Empoli Joseph Ceesay came close to breaking the deadlock but was intercepted inside the penalty area. He later attempted to set up Karim, whose effort from a tight angle was saved for a corner.
GERMANY
Abdoulie Ceesay scored his fifth goal of the season, finding the equaliser for St. Pauli against Nürnberg in the 58th minute.
The Gambian forward had endured a frustrating afternoon in front of goal. His first attempt went wide, while his second effort, 16 minutes later, was saved by goalkeeper Reichert. Immediately after the restart, he was again denied by the opposing goalkeeper before eventually finding the breakthrough.
St. Pauli have lost just twice away from home this season, recording four draws in their away fixtures.
BELGIUM
Nigerian forward Tunde Akinsola inspired Cercle Brugge to a 3-1 victory over Antwerp, scoring twice to secure the club’s first win of the season.
Abdoulie Manneh played 71 minutes before being substituted. He came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half but was denied by the goalkeeper, while another attempt was blocked after the restart. His substitution also raised injury concerns.
At Standard Liège, Salieu Drammeh cancelled out Goduine’s opener with his third league goal of the season in the 63rd minute.
Drammeh completed the entire match, marking only the second time he has played 90 minutes this season. Across nine appearances, he has started three matches and come off the bench in the other six.
Meanwhile, injured Adama Bojang missed Charleroi’s emphatic 5-2 victory over La Louvière.
AUSTRIA
Red Bull Salzburg remain the only unbeaten side in the Austrian Bundesliga after matchday 11, following an emphatic 5-1 home victory. They are also the only team to have collected maximum points at home.
Abubacarr Barry contributed a goal and an assist. His set-piece delivery was headed home for Salzburg’s second goal before he added the fifth himself.
After seeing his initial free-kick blocked, Barry recovered possession and unleashed a low shot into the bottom-left corner to register his first goal of the season.
Countryman Alieu Conateh also made his mark, providing the assist for visitors SC Austria Lustenau’s consolation goal.
CROATIA
Abdoulie Sanyang was on target for Hajduk Split in their commanding 5-0 victory.
The Gambian forward was involved in the build-up to the opening goal, pressing aggressively to win possession and initiate the attacking move.
Bamba doubled Hajduk’s advantage in the 33rd minute, registering his third league goal in 12 appearances as the Croatian giants went on to secure a comprehensive victory.
TURKEY
Elvin Mendy scored his first goal of the season, finishing a well-delivered cross from Duymaz. However, the visitors fought back to score twice in a match in which both Elvin Mendy and Alieu Cham started. Cham was withdrawn at half-time.
SLOVAKIA
Saibo Saidy came up against Suleiman Camara in the Slovakian Nike Liga as FK Železiarne Podbrezová faced ŠK Slovan Bratislava on Saturday. The encounter ended 2-1 in favour of the reigning champions.
Both Gambians were introduced in the second half, with Saibo making just his third league appearance for Podbrezová, while Camara continues to enjoy an impressive run of form for Slovan.
Elsewhere, former BST Galaxy winger Sanna Jobe scored his first goal of the season for Pohronie in their 1-1 draw against Slovan Bratislava B. Set up on the left by Muhammed Dumbuya, Jobe produced a well-struck finish into the bottom corner to get his campaign underway.
LATVIA
Muhammed Badamoesi endured a frustrating afternoon as Riga FC suffered defeat in Ogre, a result that handed RFS their fourth Tonybet Virsliga title.
The Gambian striker, who had converted five penalties this season, missed a crucial spot-kick in the 88th minute after Ramirez was brought down. Badamoesi sent his effort wide of the target.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Riga, who struggled to convert several opportunities, with numerous attempts either going off target or straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. The defeat ultimately handed RFS their fourth league crown.
Modou Saidy was named in the starting XI, making his 33rd league appearance of the season. He started 26 matches, scoring twice and providing seven assists.
The versatile midfielder featured in all three midfield positions throughout the campaign. He came close to adding another goal but saw his effort go wide in the 34th minute.
Meanwhile, Haruna Rashid Njie celebrated his second league title and third overall trophy. The former Gunjur midfielder made 13 league appearances during the campaign.
UKRAINE
Moses Jarju and Muhammed Jobe continued their consistent performances for Chornomorets Odesa, earning valuable minutes in the Ukrainian Premier League.
Both Gambians started in their club’s 3-1 victory over Alagie Wally’s Veres Rivne on Saturday. Jarju maintained his remarkable consistency, making his eighth consecutive league start. He has now played 720 minutes, completing the full 90 minutes in every appearance.
Muhammed Jobe also continued his impressive start, registering his fourth consecutive league start and taking his playing time to 315 minutes.
Meanwhile, Alagie Wally came off the bench to make his fifth league appearance of the season for Veres Rivne.
ESTONIA
Muhammed Hydara scored his fourth goal of the season as JK Tammeka secured a 2-1 victory over Harju.
Hydara’s goal arrived in the 58th minute. His initial effort was touched by the goalkeeper’s fingertips before striking the post. The Gambian midfielder reacted quickest to the rebound and calmly slotted home. He came close to doubling his tally but was denied from close range.
