The final of a nawettan tournament, organised by Barra-Essau-Mayamba Sports Committee in Lower Niumi District ended in drama. Unlike a normal football final where a winner and loser prevail, Barra-Essau-Mayamba nawettan final which was between Jambarr FC and Air Ports FC, was a complete difference. Both finalists worked away with an even cash prize, after a violence marred the end mark of the match on Sunday at Essau Basic Cycle School playground.

Striker Modou Conteh put Air Port forward in the 61st minute. Five minutes to the stoppage time, Jambarr got their equaliser ruled out as offside. The referee’s decision was greeted with disapproval from the Jambarr fans and eventually the game was prematurely aborted before the regulation.

To the surprise of many, however, the sponsors, West Coast and Africell, in consultation with the Organising Committee decided to uphold the title and gave each finalist an even amount of undisclosed cash prize.

Both coaches could not be reached for reactions, but some football pundits who graced the final, described the Organising Committee’s decision as an unjust, ruling that it did not reflect the true spirit of sportsmanship.

“How come you have two winners in a final. The referee’s decision, whether favourable or unfavourable, should be final. But, you cannot have two finalists working away with equal amount of cash prizes. One must have and one must lose that is the purpose of a final,” a disappointed pundit was quoted saying.