By: Muhammed Dampha
Star Sports Academy of Sierra Leone edge Gambia Football Federation First Division League Champions Medina United Academy on away goals after a 1-1 draw in the CAF Champions League Preliminary Qualifiers at Independence Stadium in Bakau. The result sends the Sierra Leonean side through after a goalless first leg in Sierra Leone.
Both teams began cautiously, with neither able to establish an early advantage. Medina’s Mustapha Jarju fired a powerful effort wide in the 24th minute, while chances at both ends failed to produce a goal as the first half ended 0-0.
The visitors returned with greater purpose after the break and took the lead in the 53rd minute when Santigie Fornah rose highest to head home. Medina responded with substitutions, but Star Sports remained composed, circulating the ball and controlling the tempo.
Medina came close to levelling in the 80th minute when substitute Landing Jatta headed Omar Bojang’s cross against the crossbar. Star Sports’ technical bench and supporters celebrated, believing victory was within reach.
However, Medina refused to give up. Substitute Ebou Sanyang produced a late rescue in the 90+4th minute, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner to make it 1-1. Both sides managed the closing moments cautiously as tiredness set in thus the game ended 1-1.
Star Sports head coach Amidu Karim attributed their success to thorough preparation, revealing that his side studied Medina United’s system closely. He also thanked the Gambian people for their warm hospitality and applauded the Sierra Leonean supporters who travelled to Bakau.
Meanwhile Medina United Academy assistant coach Abdoulie Sallah expressed disappointment after his side failed to convert their chances, admitting that their lack of awareness of the away-goal rule was a lesson learned. He praised his players for their efforts and thanked the fans for their unwavering support.
The defeat ends Medina United Academy’s first CAF Champions League Preliminary Qualifiers campaign, despite the Gambian champions rescuing a late draw. They will now turn their attention to the GFF League and domestic cup competitions, with the aim of defending their title and earning another continental opportunity next season.
