Bakau came from behind to snatch a dramatic 2-1 win against Sukuta on Saturday, with forward Abdoulie Jatta scoring a last-minute winner to send the defending champions through to the last four of  Muhammed Yahya Jammeh Perpetual Zonal Championships.

Sukuta had taken a shock lead through striker Lamin Camara in the 3rd minute, but left-footer Saikou Jawara levelled in the 40th minute with a stunning free-kick.

It looked like Sukuta were going to record an unlikely victory when they were awarded a late penalty in the 83rd minute. But Ousman Badjie squandered the chance that could have spared them before the Gambia Under 17 ace, Jatta, tucked the ball home two minutes from the end.

The 2-1 win was enough to see Bakau through as Group A runners up after already-qualified Gunjur held Serrekunda West to a one-all draw in the group’s other match played at the Serrekunda East Mini-stadium.

Sukuta entered Saturday’s tie with great a ambitions as they put pressure on the Bakau side right from the kick-off. The Sukutarians even made their intention clear as early 3rd minute when star striker Lamin Camara beat goalkeeper Famara Bojang with his low shot.

The Western Region Boys nearly extended their tally five minutes later but Anfaal Jobe failed to aim his shot. In the 28th minute, it was Sukuta’s turn to survive a real scare, but Bakau’s Fabakary Bojang astonishingly watched his thunderous shot past inches from the woodwork. Sukuta conceded a free-kick in the 40th minute, and free-kick maestro Saikou Jawara made himself available to tuck in the equaliser.

After ending the first half on a level score, Bakau came into the second interval stronger. Substitute Lamin Samateh had the chance to put Bakau ahead but the Sea View striker delayed his shot and vigilant Sukuta keeper cleared. In the 83rd minute, Bakau conceded a penalty after a defender handled the ball, but striker Ousman Badjie’s shot was a repeat of Robert Baggio’s penalty in the 1994 World Cup finals in USA.

Five minutes later, Sukuta were made to pay the price for their late miss when Abdoulie Jatta’s solo put Bakau in the driving seat as time ticked down the clock.