Access Bank (G) last weekend came from a goal down to thrash Arab Gambia Islamic Bank 4-1 in the final of the inter-bank football tournament (Governor Jatta Trophy) at the Biri-Biri football ground in Manjai Kunda.
Arab Gambia Islamic Bank took the lead as early as the second minute from a penalty spot through Ansu Sanneh leaving them with a 1-0 lead at half time.
Access Bank responded through Abubacarr Jatta, who scored a brace in the 57th and 65th minutes of the game.
Things went from bad to worst for Arab Gambia Islamic Bank in the 74th minute of the game when defender Muhammed Jallow headed the ball into his own net.
Lamin B.S. Jammeh sealed the victory for Access Bank (G) just three minutes before the final whistle from a classic finish.
Access Bank went home with D15,000 and a trophy as winners while Arab Gambia Islamic Bank received a consolation prize of D10, 000 and a trophy.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the game, Ebrima Jammeh, the head coach of Access Bank, said the victory was dedicated to their customers “who are the reason for their success”, adding that they would retain the trophy next year.
He stated that composure also contributed to their win despite being a goal down at half time, adding that they started the competition with confidence, which, he noted, also contributed to their success.
Pa Filly Njie, head coach of Arab Gambia Islamic Bank, said there was no special preparation for the final, noting that they prepared for it like other games during the tournament.
He added that about four of his players sustained injuries during the first period of the game, which he said affected them in the second period of the game.
The goals were conceded through slight blunders, he said, adding that next year they would lift the trophy as, according to him, no body expected that they would reach this far in the tournament.
The Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia, Hon. Amadou Colley, said he was impressed with the level of participation by all the banks that took part in the tournament describing the tournament as “wonderful”.
He added that it was not a surprise to him that Access Bank (G) maintained a good performance this year again and lifted the trophy.
He said: “I was not happy when I heard that we (Central Bank) were eliminated in the first round of the competition but I hope other teams prepared better than us this year.”
Paul Solomon Bruce, a key member of the organising committee, described the tournament as a good one, adding that all banks competed fully.
He noted that the competition was played in a fair atmosphere, adding that everyone behaved well in the spirit of the tournament.
He finally thanked all the commercial banks that took part in the tournament and for making it a “success”.
