Real De Banjul Clinches Back-to-Back Championship in Baluwo Sponsored GFF Division One League
By Landing Ceesay
Real De Banjul Football Club has once again claimed the title of Champions in the Baluwo Sponsored Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Division One League, securing their victory on Friday, July 5th, 2024, for the second consecutive season.
This victory marks the 14th time Real De Banjul has been crowned Champions of the First Division League. Impressively, they remain the only team to have won the Baluwo Sponsored First Division League since the partnership with the GFF began a few years ago.
Real De Banjul’s championship was confirmed following their 2-1 win over Falcons Football Club, who finished second in the league. Even before the match began, Real De Banjul had already secured their champion status with a substantial 13-point lead over the Falcons.
Entering the game with nothing to lose, Real De Banjul played with determination and flair, as if their championship title depended on the outcome. Despite dominating possession in the first half, it was the Falcons who created more goal-scoring opportunities.
Falcons’ players Edward Ndeckey, Bakary Touray, and Lamin Kanteh all had chances to score but were unable to convert. On the other side, Modou Lamin Manneh, Bubacarr Touray, and Abdourahman Badamosi of Real De Banjul came close to scoring but were thwarted by the Falcons’ defense. The first half ended goalless.
In the second half, Real De Banjul continued their dominance and looked more threatening in their attacks. Despite multiple goal-scoring chances from Abdourahman Badamosi, Momodou Jobarteh, and Amadou Nyassi, they were initially unable to break through.
The breakthrough came when a brilliant play by Real De Banjul’s right-back Mustapha Nyassi was finished by Momodou Jobarteh, putting the champions ahead. However, the Falcons quickly responded, with Bakary Touray equalizing from a superb delivery by Modou Lamin Touray.
The Falcons continued to press, with Lamin Kanteh and substitute Adama Jammeh coming close to scoring, but were denied by Real De Banjul’s experienced goalkeeper, Lamin Saidy. Real De Banjul then executed a beautiful team goal, finished by Modou Lamin Manneh, to restore their lead.
Despite further chances for both teams, the match ended 2-1 in favor of Real De Banjul.
As champions, Real De Banjul took home a giant trophy and a cash prize of One Million Dalasis (D1,000,000.00). Falcons FC, as runners-up, received Five Hundred Thousand Dalasis (D500,000.00), while third-placed Steve Biko was awarded Two Hundred Thousand Dalasis (D200,000.00).
Speaking to journalists after the victory, Real De Banjul’s captain, Lamin Saidy, attributed their success to hard work and dedication. “We work hard to win. At Real De Banjul, if you don’t train and work hard, you don’t play. So this win is a result of our hard work,” he said.
Saidy also expressed gratitude to the management and technical team of Real De Banjul for their support and contributions to the team’s success.