GFA Week 12 Wrap: GPA held by Serrekunda United

In week 12 of the GFA league, Serrekunda United were able to hold the league leaders GPA to a 0-0 stalemate at the Banjul mini stadium.

An end-to-end starts to the match saw GPA nearly storm into the lead after only three minutes. A scramble inside the penalty area saw the ball drop to Cherno Njie in space, but with the goal at his mercy, he could not find the target as his volley flew over the bar.

The early shock did not put off Serrekunda United who slowly began to cause problems at the other end of the pitch. With 10 minutes gone, Lamin Jassey’s low drive was fumbled by Christoper Allen, who was fortunate to see Alfusainey Jaiteh scoop the rebound the wrong side of the post.

Momodou Lamin Bittaye was called to action after his striker squandered with that chance within a minutes, he charged off his line to bring down Alagie Sarr in the area. There did not appear to be much contact with the ball from the S/K United keeper, but no penalty was forthcoming, leaving GPA to protest furiously with referee Omar Sallah.

Not long after, the Ferry Boy’s [GPA] managed to find the back of the net, but the goal was correctly disallowed as Cherno Njie was in a clearly offside position when he turned Tamsir Jammeh’s cross.

Serrekunda United survived the scare, and saw another golden chance go begging with 20 minutes gone. A swift move saw Lamin Demba put Ebrima Jatta through on goal, but his finish was weak and easily smothered by Christoper Allen.

GPA was unsurprisingly able to control nearly two-thirds of possession, but some strong-minded defending   prevented the ferry boys from getting fully into their pace.

The S/K united backline was caught out 10 minutes before halftime though, as Abdoulie Bah was put clean through, but Ebrima Conteh matched him stride for stride and got back to make a fantastic block just as the GPA midfielder was about to pull the set off.

Alagie Sarr sent another warning serrekunda united’s way coming out of the interval, with a quick run into space ending with a impulsive shot from the edge of the area that flew just wide.

However, GPA was finding it increasingly difficult to get a clear sight on goal as the second half wore on, with Pa Lamin Sillah’s men keeping their discipline and organization at the back.

Moments later, GPA spurned a golden opportunity to break the deadlock. Referee Omar Sallah rightly awarded a penalty when Abdoulie Bah was felled in the box by Ebrima Conteh, but the serrekunda united shortstop per Modou Lamin Bittaye   saved Cherno Njie’s penalty with a wonderful stopped.

With 67 minutes gone, substitute Alagie Fatajo nearly made an immediate impact seconds after his arrival when he raced onto a through pass deep in the area, but his first touch was woeful and halted the move in its tracks.

Serrekunda United hit back soon after through a substitute of its own, with Mustapha Sonko finding space on the right side of the box and letting fly with an effort that rippled the side netting.

Minutes before the end, Bittaye was on hand to deny Alagie Sarr, beating away the striker’s low drive, with Sam Gibba also upset from the rebound by another brilliant tackle from Hatab Badjie as S/K united preserved the 0-0 scoreline.

In the week’s other games, Steve Biko and Brikama United’s game was suspended after the game was marred by fighting from both sets of fans. It was 1-1 but later suspended by referee Ansu Jatta in the 92nd minute.

Real de Banjul held Samger on a 0-0 draw, Armed Forces drew Young Africans 1-1, Gamtel were also held by Hawks while Wallidan won 1-0 against Bakau United.