Tijan Jaiteh and Brann slip in Norway

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Gambian international Tijan Jaiteh and his Norwegian Brann's league gold is put on hold after losing 1-2 at Aalesund on Saturday. The introduction of the former Gambia Ports Authority player in the 79th minute could not save Brann from the defeat, which made them to wait further on their first league gold in 44 years.

But all hope is not out - five matches have to go against Brann, Brann needing to lose their two and Stabæk needing to win their three remaining matches, to deny Brann the league gold.

Before the match it was all simple, with three rounds left and a nine point lead at the top, Brann needed only one point to make it official.

But the hosts, fighting against the threat of relegation, didn't share Brann's outlook in front the match. An aggressive home side were up 2-0 before half an hour was played, through goals from midfielder Amund Skiri and target man Thor Hogne Aaroy.

Brann fought back after 35 minutes through a good effort by right winger Jan Gunnar Solli.

With 1-2 at half time, Brann needed at least one goal in order to win the league championship and send the 50,000 supporters watching the match live on big screen in downtown Bergen’s "Festplassen" to the clouds.

But this wasn't Brann's day. A disallowed goal and two times hitting the posts in overtime proved it.

However Brann still has good chances of winning. Second and third placed Stabæk and Viking meet on Monday. If Brann's arch rivals Viking gets at least one point in this match at their own ground, Brann will be definite champions as Stabæk cannot catch Brann with only two league rounds left.

Brann's next match is on Thursday at home against Hamburg in the UEFA Cup at Brann Stadion.

Author: by Nanama keita
Source: The Daily Observer Newspaper