(Monday 24th August 2009 issue)
If the old adage that ‘experience is the best teacher’ is anything to go by, Linguere one of the most successful and decorated Nawettan teams in Bakau, have shown that after coming from behind to snatch an emphatic 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory over bitter rivals, Ron-Mango in the Super Cup final, played at the Bakau-Mini-Stadium last Friday after a pulsating all-all draw in the normal time.
The last year’s league champions conceded an early lead through Striker Lamin Jallow (Beck), who capitalised on Modou Jack Leigh’s blunder to fired Ron-Mango ahead, thanks to a superb pass from team mate, Alagie Omar Jammeh with only 12 minutes to the clock.
Linguere had a disappointing start to the game, but came out in a stunning fashion to level the score through substitute Muhammed Tambajang Bah, following a brilliant delivery from Rasta Bahoum.
Within the twinkle of an eye, the Real De Banjul Star hammered home a spectacular close range header to the delight of Linguere Fans.
The knock-out winners Ron-Mango could have doubled their advantage when Star Striker Pa Amadou Daddy Gai was left unmarked near Linguere’s danger zone, but the former Scorpions star had failed to convert a clear scoring opportunity as he struggled to find the form that made him one of the best strikers in Gambian football, despite some memorable moments.
Linguere’s substitutes, such as Ousman Jatta and Tambajang Bah continued to put up wonderful performances, but the stars could not managed to secure a victory for the champions during the normal time, resulting in a dramatic penalty shoot-out as Linguere recorded their second Super Cup title in five years.
The Bakau outfit were awarded a giant trophy, plus an amount of D5,000 as the champions, while the runners-up Ron-Mango went home with D3,000.
Speaking to Pointsport shortly after an action packed Super Cup Final, the Assistant Coach of Ron-Mango Pa Gassama expressed dissatisfaction for what he described as poor offensive display, although he remained confident that Ron-Mango has got what it takes to make an impact in the Nawettan proper. But, he is conscious of the fact that the team needs to be reinforced in time for the much-talked about Nawettan in Bakau Zone.
For his part, the Head Coach of the victorious Linguere side, Dawda Ceesay was so much delighted to win another championship title with the club described as the most successful Nawettan team in Bakau.
He also remained optimistic of Linguere’s possibility of retaining the League title.
The final was graced by the Assistant Director of Sports, Pa Suwareh Faye among other dignitries.