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Momodou
Denmark
11829 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Aug 2007 : 22:08:45
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Ports are the FA Cup Champions
By Modou Nyang
Ten man Ports Authority FC managed a lone goal advantage to win the 2007 FA Cup on Sunday at the Independence Stadium.
Sainey Nyassi's 71st minute goal separated the sides as Alasana Jarju was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 60th minute. Ports who emerged stronger in the second half broke away from the left flank and when the cross dropped into the Hawks area, Sainey Nyassi arrived in time to tapped in to the net and break the deadlock.
Hawks were the better side in the first half creating most of the chances. But as it is nearly becoming a jinx, Coach Joseph Gomez's boys were unable to make their flowing style of play count by squandering the numerous chances they created. With the first touch of the ball they showed their intention to defend their title and in the 2nd minute Ports' goal keeper Famara Njie was forced into a punching save to deny Hawks a break through and they came asking again in the 5th minute, but Lamin Sarr failed to connect as the ball rolled out across the Ports gaol area.
But Ports showed their quality upfront when Pa Modou Jange combined beautifully with Sainey Nyassi before Hawks' defence cleared for a corner. And Jange's corner came begging for headers but Robert Badjie was up to the task as he responded with a diving punch. Play intensified and Ports could have been in the lead in the 32 minute as Hawks were caught on the break but Gibou Drammeh failed to cut through into the area quickly to setup his team mates allowing Hawks to cover-up.
The second half was greeted with a red card when Alasana Jarju was given his marching orders for a bad challenge on a Hawks player. But the dethroned league champions appeared more intent not to allow the season end with them collected a trophy. And despite the numerical disadvantage, they pushed forward for the all important gaol. Sainey Nyassi's was at hand in their search for a breakthrough and his perfect spot kick was flicked over the bar by Badjie. But his untiring runs with the ball inside the opponents' area was rewarded in the 71st minute as he ran timely to do the finishing from a beautiful cross from the left.
As defeat presented its self to Hawks right in the face, they struggled to salvage the situation. But the defending champions failed to make their advantage in numbers count and they paid the heavy price by surrendering their crown and also the right to represent The Gambia in next season's CAF Confederation Cup.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 94/2007, 13 - 14 August 2007
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