Bakau are zonal champs again

GFA president Seedy Kinteh led dignitaries at the final

Two first half strikes from Seedy Bah and Samsideen Badjie gave Bakau their second straight title in the Gambia Football Association Zonal Championship now called the Muhammed Yahya Jammeh Zonal Championship.

Bakau were in front after only ten minutes when Seedy Bah sends in a low shot after being put through by midfielder Alagie Fatajo and Samsideen Badjie made it 2-0 on the stroke of half time from the penalty spot after Samba Bah brought down Seedy Bah in the box.

Banjul pulled a goal back through George Cole with only thirteen minutes remaining from the spot but only proved to be a consolation.

It was a repeat of last year's final between the two footballing rivals in the country with Bakau coming out victorious in that occasion also after the final was played in two separate days.

Banjul came into the game as the only team not to have conceded a goal but their defensive display tonight was really awful with the constant error from Captain Muhammed Davies and partner Samba Bah.

Bakau could have taken an early 2-0 lead after only six minutes when a good ball by the impressive Alagie Fatajo alias 'Butut' found Abdoulie Jatta unmarked in the area only to shoot wide with only the keeper to beat while Seedy Bah totally missed his footing from yet another assist by 'Butut'.

But that was a clear indication of what was to come as Bakau were the more determined side by playing some decent passing game with Banjul looking nervous for the entire first half.

After ten minutes, 'Butut' dispossesses Muhammed Davies and beat past two opponents before pulling a clever pass for Seedy Bah who sends in a powerful low shot into the bottom right corner from 17 yards out to give Bakau the lead.

Banjul struggled to find a rhythm with Assan Ceesay, Buba Conteh and Ousman Marong all shooting wide of the target as a sign of frustration.

Bakau made it 2-0 just on the stroke of half time when  Samba Bah brought down Seedy Bah in the box after being put clean through on goal again by 'Butut' and as a result got a yellow card.

Samsideen Badjie stepped forward and sent in a powerful shot into the net even though the keeper got a hand to it but wasn't enough to keep it out.

Banjul reorganized themselves in the second period with the introduction of Mustapha Baldeh but couldn't force their way past the stubborn Bakau defense.

But with only 13 minutes remaining, George Cole who was very quiet on the night pulled a goal back  from the penalty spot after Saikou Jawara brought down Mustapha Baldeh in the box.

But Bakau held onto a famous victory and as winner went home with a cheque of D50,00.00 while Banjul went home with D30,000.00 as runners-up.

The game was attended by dignitaries including the Vice-President of the Republic Her Excellency Madam Ajaratou Isatou Njie Saidy, Speaker of the National Assembly Honorable Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, SOS for Youth and Sports Honorable Sheriff Gomez and other top Government Officials and members of the GFA.