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Juventus crowned East knock-out champs

Nov 17, 2014, 10:13 AM | Article By: Cherno Omar Bobb & Lamin Gibba

Juventus FC on Saturday 15th November 2014 beat Zurich FC 4-2 after a post-match penalty shoot-out, following a goalless draw in regulation time at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium, to be crowned champions of the Serrekunda East Sports Development Organisation (SESDO) knock-out trophy.

Goalkeeper Baboucarr Ceesay was the hero for Juventus FC after coming off the bench to replace Bakary Keita in the final minutes of the game.

Ceesay saved two spot kicks and converted the final kick for his side to ensure they lift the trophy at the expense of their opponent.

As winners, Juventus FC went home with a trophy and a cash amount of D25,000; Zurich FC received a consolation prize of D20,000.

Speaking to reporters shortly after the game, Ram Cham, Zurich FC head coach, said they prepared well for the finals, but were destined to lose and have accepted it in good faith.

The game should not have proceeded to post-match penalty kicks looking at his side’s performance and the number of chances they created during the encounter, he added.

Cham congratulated his opponent, but also thanked his players for sticking to his instructions and fighting for a win throughout the game.

Cham thanked the fans of the team for always being behind the them, and for showing discipline at all times.

Saihou Gibba, head coach Juventus FC expressed delight for the victory, adding that the team has been in existence for long but never lifted the knock-out trophy.

People doubted his players because they are young, with most of them making their first-ever appearance in the nawetan, he said.

They came to the game to defend, and waited for their opponent to attack as they are a more experienced and bigger side, he added.

Gibba commended goalkeeper Baboucarr Ceesay, who is good at saving penalties, he said.

They have lost almost 20 of their senior players, he went on, adding that as a coach lifting the trophy in his second year in charge was a big achievement for him.

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