Last year's beaten finalists The City Boys of Banjul on Saturday rode their luck to knock out the finest team in this years zonal Babe Muhammad Yahya Jammeh Perpetual Competition. The City Boys shocked the tournament favourites Gunjur defeating them 3-2 in a post match penalty shoot out.
The City Boys, who no, appear to be the dark horses of the tournament, were able to sustain the pre-tournament favourites Gunjur in the open field of play by keeping the game very tight. This constrained the ability of Gunjur to make space for the silky football they have been known for in this championship.
The City Boys in their blue jerseys really were more mature than their opponents. Banjul approached the game tactically and were more organised, playing like a team purely out to achieve a result. These measures paid dividends at the end of the 90 minutes.
With experienced players, Banjul were able to cope with the intense pressure put on by Gunjur. Gunjur had their best chance of the game came when they had a rare one on one chance with the highly rated Banjul goalkeeper but squandered it. Gunjur had a lot of possession in the second half but were not able to break the steady defence line of the City Boys. While in midfield it was a fight between two generals Gunjur's Saviola and Banjul's George Cole both dictated the pace of the match and showcased their well-amassed skills and talents.
And at the end of the 90 minutes it was not possession and performance that mattered but the result which went to Banjul. The City Boys now advance to the finals.
It is likely the final of last years zonal will be repeated this year. That game was between Banjul and the defending Champions Bakau. Banjul will now know if they are to play either Bakau or Serrekunda East in the final. Their semi-final was underway as we went to press.
