Gunjur lift Kombo Coastal village tourney trophy
By Cherno Omar Bobb
Gunjur on Sunday defeated Batokunku 4-2 on post-match penalty shootouts to lift the Gach Mining Company Limited sponsored Kombo Coastal Village football tornament following a goaless draw in regulation time during a colorful final played at Tujereng Football Field.
Gunjur received a giant trophy, medals and a cash prize of D150, 000 as winners while Batokunku went home with medals and a consolation prize of D100, 000 as runners-up.
Sanyang received D50, 000 as third place holder. Abdou Wahab Dampha of Sanyang emerged as leading goal scorer of the tournament. He received golden boots, a certificate and a cash amount of D10, 000.
Lamin Marena of Batokunku was named the best player of the tournament. He was rewarded with a trophy, a certificate and a cash amount of D10, 000.
Certificates of appreciation were also given to all villages that participated in the competition as well as deserving individuals.
Abubacarr Jawara, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gach Global said he sponsored the tournament as part of his Social Coperate Responsibility to communities he carries out mining activities.
He added that the tournament was also meant to strengthen the existing unity among villages that participated the the tournament and ensure youth know each other.
He thanked everyone who contributed in making the tournament a success. CEO Jawara also expressed his readiness to organise a female tournament for communities that participated in the male competition.
Modou Manneh, the head coach of Gunjur said both teams were equal going into the final. However, he said they could have won during regular time but were not lucky. He pointed out the tournament will help players in their development.
He highlighted that the prize money was good, noting that Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Second Division League winners do not event receive such an amount.
He said they were better than their oponent in the dying minutes of the match but were not fortunate to score.
He pointed out his players are also young but them building to give them an opportunity in future to showcase their talent and possibly become professionals.
He went on to say that they were able to contain bigger communities than them during the tournament.
