Istanbul FC are through to the final stage of the Serrekunda East Sports Development Organisation (SESDO) Nawetan qualifiers following their 4-2 penalty shootout victory over New German FC after drawing 1-1 on regulation time.
Yaya Samateh gave Istanbul FC the lead in the 28th minute of the game but his goal was cancelled by Essa Mballow for New German FC in the 34th minute of the encounter played at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium on Sunday, thus the game ended 1-1 resulting into a post-match penalty kicks which ended 4-2 in favour of Istanbul FC.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the game, Pa Omar Njie, head coach of New German FC, expressed dissatisfaction with the defeat, saying his side was yearning for victory to advance to the next stage of the qualifiers.
He stated that his side played well but were unlucky in the penalty kicks, saying: “We were the better side; we created chances but could not capitalize on them.”
Most of his players are nursing injuries and his strikers were indecisive in their passes during the match.
His team comprises young players, he said, adding that they will maintain their players and possibly even recruit more players to come strong next year as this was their first year taking part in the qualifiers.
Saidou Ceesay, a member of Istanbul FC technical staff, said they were pleased with the result, although their players were indiscipline towards the central referee during the first period of the game, which was as a result of the central referee being hash towards them. He calls on them to desist from such an attitude.
There is no team that can stop them from qualifying for this year’s Nawetan proper, he also remarked, saying they would do whatever it takes to qualify this year now that they have reached the qualifiers stage.
“This year’s qualifiers is the simplest as you will only play three games and qualify for the Nawetan proper,” he noted.
Ceesay also cautioned the fans of the team, saying they are not stopping them from coming out to support the team but would endeavour to advise them to always exercise maximum discipline.
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