Steve Biko FC on Sunday beat Hawks FC by a goal to nil to overtake Real De Banjul who have two games in hand at the top of the Gambia Football Association league table.
Sulayman Sanyang (alias R9) scored the only goal of the game for the Bakau giant killers in the 84th minute of the encounter from a powerful left-footed shot, played at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium.
Steve Biko have now collected 14 points in 7 games, while Hawks have collected 5 points in 7 encounters.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the game, Abdoulie Bojang, head coach of Steve Biko, said it was important for them to win because they have realised that their past two games were not good and they had to struggle a lot.
During the first period of the game they played well but did not create chances, he said, adding that during the break they told their players to capitalize on Hawks’ defenders slow space of playing.
They need to be consistent to be able to maintain their lead at the top of the league table, he also said, adding that they have to work harder because being at the top is not too difficult but maintaining it.
He said the players know what they have put in them and are doing well but that they still have to prepare well for their upcoming games because every team has good players.
He said they had to reserve two of their strikers (Ousman Manneh and Sulayman Sanyang) for the second half because they played for The Gambia against Mauritania a day before and are also young players.
Sang Ndong, head coach of Hawks, said he was disappointed with his boys at their performance and defeat, adding that Steve Biko did not deserve to win.
The goal they conceded came at the worst time, he noted, saying it was a bad day for the team since seven of his regular starting players were absent due to suspension and injuries.
They want to see their best by the eighth game of the league, after this seventh encounter, he affirmed.