Momodou
Jallow, head coach of Manjai Zonal team, has stated that his team is prepared
to lift this year’s zonal championship, as they are well prepared for the whole
tournament and not just for Sukuta.
Jallow was speaking to reporters shortly after his side’s 3-2 win over Sukuta in their opening game of the competition played at the Father Gough Sports Complex on Monday.
He added that he was delighted to begin the campaign with a win in his first game in charge as head coach of the Manjai zonal team.
Jallow admitted that his team fell behind twice during the game due to tactical errors, adding that there is still need for improvement in his squad after conceding 2 goals in the opening encounter of the competition.
Lamin Darboe, head coach of Sukuta zonal team, said his side played very well during the encounter but were just unlucky.
He called on fans of the team to still have faith in the squad, while also challenging his players to have fighting spirit.
He remarked that a lot is still to come as the competition is just beginning, adding that his team will bounce back from the defeat.
Zonal football is all about experience, he said, adding that having experienced players in a team is very important.
Darboe claimed the third goal they conceded was a “clear off-side” but the assistant referee ignored it, while also describing the officiating of the central referee as “poor”.
The Sukuta zonal team head coach refused to accept the goals his side conceded as defensive errors, blaming them on poor officiating.
He concluded by saying they have accepted the defeat in good faith and would go back to prepare for their next encounter.
