Peter Bonu Johnson, head coach of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), has attributed his side’s defeat to Wallidan to hard luck but was however quick to admit that the result did not actually reflect on the performance of GPA on the pitch.
Bonu made these remarks following his side’s 1-nil defeat to Wallidan in the week four fixtures of the ongoing Gambia Football Association first division league at the Banjul Mini-stadium on Sunday.
He said that some of his players are still nursing injuries, which, he added, has taken its toll on the finishing abilities of the strikers available.
“Most of my strikers are nursing injuries and the ones at my disposal are inexperienced to replace them but I hope they will adapt to the game as the league progresses,” he said.
Bonu, who guided the Darling Scorpions to a bronze medal in the 2007 African U-20 youth tournament in Congo Brazzaville, further stated that he would work hard with GPA to have a better season as he vowed to do everything possible in a bid to retain the title he won with the ferry boys last season.
“We will prepare very well for our next games ahead,” Bonu said.
When asked whether the absence of star striker Sam Gibba had any negative effect on their game, Bonu said: “Yes, Gibba’s absence was really felt because he is a very good striker.”
Mansour Jeng, assistant coach of Wallidan FC, said he was happy with the result but noted that his team did not perform to expectations in the second period of the game.