The final, which marks the beginning of the nawetan competition, saw last year’s knockout winners Man City FC take an easy ride over last year’s league champions Jamesen FC, in a final graced by new GFF executive led by President Mustapha Kebbeh, the recently elected and sworn-in Mayor of Banjul, Abdoulie Bah, Mass Axi Gai, Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources, Honourable Alhagie Sillah, Bun Njie, Chairman of National Sports Council among other dignitaries.
The first clear chance of the game went to Jamesen FC when Musa Sowe struck the stand bar for his side in the 20th minute from a brilliant free-kick.
Man City FC took the lead through Ebrima Jobe in the 37th minute from a penalty spot when Assan Mbye handled the ball inside Jamesen FC’s eighteen-yard box thus the game ended 1-0 going into the break.
As action resumed in the second period, Modou Jobe made it 2-0 for Man City FC in the 46th minute from a superb re-bounce after Alfusainey Gassama’s initial shot stuck the stand bar.
Sulayman Bah made it 3-nil for Man City FC in the 53rd minute from a spectacular free-kick while substitute Modou L. Manneh sealed the victory for Man City FC in the 61st minute of the game from a sensible strike.
As winners, Man City FC went home with a giant trophy and D10,000 while Jamesen FC collected a consolation prize of D7,000 as runners-up.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the game, Omar Touray, head coach of Jamesen FC, expressed dissatisfaction with the score-line, saying it was disappointing looking at their build-up to the final.
Touray confessed that Man City FC were superior to his side, adding: “Anyone who does not say so is jealous.”
He stated that Man City FC have more quality players than his side, but noted that lack of concentration also contributed to their defeat.
“The defeat is humiliating but we will go back and prepare well and also rectify our mistakes for the nawetan proper to qualify from our group,” he said, adding that they would work on their strikers to horn their scoring skills.
He concluded by appealing to the fans of the team not to lose faith in the team despite the humiliating defeat, calling on them to come out in their large numbers to cheer the team up in the nawetan proper.
Modou Ceesay, assistant coach of Man City FC, said they prepared well for the encounter but knew they would emerge victorious at the end of the day.
He added that it does necessarily mean that being league winners, Jamesen FC would be favourites to lift the Super Cup trophy, adding that if they want to defend their title they have to improve a lot.
His side, he stated, is going for all trophies this season, adding that they have the players it takes to achieve that.
Ebou Faye, Secretary General of Banjul Sports Committee, said the final was well-contested but was quick to add that Man City FC have been the most successful team in Banjul for the past two years.
They will work as a committee to ensure they have a successful nawetan season and make the youth happy, he remarked.
He called on teams and fans to be disciplined throughout the nawetan, saying: “With discipline you can achieve your objectives.”
