The head coach of Real De Banjul, Pa Samba Mbenga, was under no illusions that poor refereeing contributed to their defeat in the hands of Brikama United, at the artificial turf in Brikama last Sunday.

Despite fuming on lack of luck riding on their side, coach Mbenga claimed his team created the better goal scoring chances but only failed to take these opportunities to their advantage. Coach Mbenga fumed that his opponents were just fortunate to collect the three points, after a late goal against his team.

According to coach Mbenga, his team appealed a penalty in the early part of the second half but the referee did not heed to their plea. He therefore appealed to the GFA to at least provide fair and good referees for the first division game.

He added that some of the rulings made by the central referee cost them greatly. “Brikama United is a good team with young and quality players,” coach Mbenga indicated.

He expressed confidence that his boys will bounce back to winning form as the league progresses, and said that they will go back and prepare for week 10 encounter against the giant killers Steve Biko on Thursday at Brikama Mini Stadium.