Foday Bah, the head coach of Wallidan, is still confident that his team can successfully defend the title they won last year despite their disappointing start to the season.

Wallidan were held to a 0-0 draw by arch rivals Real de Banjul in their week six fixture played at the Independence Stadium yesterday. The stalemate result means the defending champions are still without  a win in six league matches. They are presently rooted at the bottom of the table with only four points - seven points adrift of leaders Bakau United who would be in action today.

Wallidan could have snatched their first win of the season yesterday if not for  some poor finishings coupled with some poor  refereeing. Forward Sainey Touray’s failure to convert a second half penalty ensured a level scoreline before the Blue Boys survived a great scare moments later when Real de Banjul were also awarded a penalty. But striker Edrissa Jarra failed to convert the chance. The Blue Boys faithful were left disappointed when referee Edu Gomez disallowed, as an off-side, a last gasp goal from Baye Sonko.

Isaha Dem’s perfect free-kick was parried by goalkeeper Mustapha Badjie and Sonko stepped up to tap in a low shot  only for referee Gomez to rule out the goal as an off-side - an infamous  decision that was greeted with a wild protest from Wallidan officials. “Today we defended well, but my only regret was that we did not utilise our chances,” visibly shocked coach Bah told Observer Sports in a post-match interview.  

Bah, who guided the Blue Boys to a double  last season added: “We have not been scoring, yet we concede goals. But I am working with the team and hopefully we will bounce back. Knowing what my boys are capable of doing, I have no doubt that we will bounce back to defend our title.”