President Jammeh guided his government side to a fascinating victory against the private sector in a thrilling football encounter played at the Serrekunda West Mini-stadium on Saturday.

The bout sponsored by Africell brought together scores of enthusiastic spectators who stormed the mini-stadium to witness the encounter dubbed the big match. In the absence of the private sector female team, the government side claimed a coveted trophy as well. The game ended 4-2 in favour of the government with President Jammeh scoring two of the goals for his side from a spot kick.

In his post match interview with journalists, the Gambian leader who admires and does so much for the development football in the country said, winning may not be important but “what is more important is to foster understanding between the private sector and the government - it’s a win-win game,” he said.

He said: “If you look at vision 2020, a lot of prominence has been given to the private sector as the engine of growth. And the private sector cannot be the engine of growth if they don’t have a good working relations with the government.”

He said such encounters from time-to-time will foster the understanding that the  government is not hostile to the private sector since they are partners in development.

“The government and private sector are teams that must work together for the realisation of national development.” President Jammeh said.

On how he managed to neutralise the impressive private sector side, President Jammeh said: “Football is football, that is a pressure, but what is important is to win and we have won.”

He said most of the players in the private sector team do go to the gym, adding that the last time some of his players touch a ball was the last tournament.

“But at the end of the day, we play with lot of things behind us and that’s why we won.”

“We will have another tournament very soon and this time I will be neutral. Because I’m the president of both the private and the public sector, the next match between the two sides, I’m going to be neutral and I will be the match commissioner.” H.E enthused.

Match highlights

Saturday’s encounter was a fascinating tie, marred by good technics from both sets of players.

After a one minute silence in honour of the late Sankung Sillah, the erstwhile captain of the Private sector team, the game took to a bright start. Titao Mendy fired the government side ahead before Fofana extended the lead moments later after Yankuba Touray’s stunning cross. The private sector later rallied and two goals came in quick succession - courtesy of skipper Emad Diab of One Plus One and Bai Jammeh.