Steve Biko’s 15 games without a win in the country’s top flight football league Wednesday came to an astonishing conclusion with a famous and deserved 3-1 win at the expense of city rivals Bakau United amid cheering crowds of spectators that converged at the Independence Stadium in Bakau to watch what turned to be an action-packed derby encounter.
The Bakau giant killers, as Biko is famously known, played the better part of the league season without a win but goals from substitute Bansi Jammeh and defender Modou Jallow, aka “Fedo”, who also scored an own goal, was all Biko needed to collect their first victory in the 12-club championship.
A well taken free-kick by Steve Biko captain Baboucarr Jatta resulted in an own goal after defender Saikou Jawneh put the ball into his own net for the opening goal of the game before another own goal by Biko defender Modou Jallow brought Bakau United back to level terms in the 33rd minutes.
The Bakau giant killers went into the derby battle knowing that any further setback could cause a serious threat to their relegation survival having found themselves at the relegation zone with only six games remaining.
Coach Abdoulie Bojang and his young squad made their winning intention known to their opponent as early as 16 minutes on the clock but they have Saikou Jawneh to thank for putting the ball into his own net before coach Kebba Touray’s men responded thanks to a Modou Jallow’s own goal one minute before break.
Bansi Jammeh, who came on as a second-half substitute, rounded up the victory when his 53rd minute solo effort proved to be the decisive moment of the contest much to the delight of the entire Biko technical staff led by Abdoulie Bojang.
Bakau United, who entered the battle on the back of an impressive 4-1 win over neighbours Africell, occasionally went close to scoring but all their brilliant attacking options in the latter part of the second period were not good enough to earn them a happy moment and instead went home with a massive 3 goals on their back.
The win could serve as a great source of motivation for Biko, who have since yesterday intensified preparatory programme ahead of their Saturday trip to Brikama, where they are scheduled to rub shoulders with the Military squad Armed Forces, who beat Samger 2-nil last Wednesday.
A defeat for Interior, who were in action against Wallidan yesterday, will see Biko remain at 10th place, one ahead of Ebrima Manneh’s charges and 4 above bottom place occupant Africell should the Africell outfit fail to beat leaders Brikama United.
Elsewhere, Real De Banjul missed a great chance to leapfrog current leaders Brikama united at the league table summit after a pulsating 1-1 draw against the Gambia Ports Authority at the Banjul KG5 Mini-stadium on Wednesday.
Modou Njie Sarr gave the in-form Real an early lead when he converted from a penalty spot for the game’s opener before Hatab Badjie rescued the ferry boys with a stoppage minute equalizer.
