Gambia: 10-Man Biko Survive Wallidan Late Surge

FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)

Sulayman Bah

14 March 2011

The Bakau Side, Steve Biko, survived a late rally from the Blue Boys, Wallidan, in an encounter that ended one-all to either side. This was the league’s most pulsating weekend fixture.

Steve Biko got off to a dull start, forcing a draw with Brikama United at home to the “Briks’ side at the Boxbar Stadium in their league Opener. Knowing that they need to pick up a win against Wallidan to stand a chance of being a potential trophy contender, the Bakau giants raced to the lead with only a minute ticking on the clock.

An acrobatic goal was enough to send the fans buzzing, when Mustapha Manneh’s over head kick nestled to the bottom right corner of the net, following a cross from the right wing thus putting Steve Biko on the lead.

Manager Foday Bah’s side were now brought down to a low ebb but the fighting spirit of high-flying stylish winger Issa Dem which pulled the scores on level for the league’s rocked bottom club thirty minutes later.

From break, in an action packed second-half, Wallidan were at it again. Issa Dem made a three step quick step overs to outrun his marker and then swung a cross to Biko’s half to pick up team captain George Cole, but Biko defence headed away for the third corner of the second-half.

Muhammed Sugufara delivered the resultant corner-kick which Biko defender Ma Lamin Jammeh headed away, but his clearance was far from safe as Wallidan’s Isha Dem blasted the rebound which ricocheted on the cross bar.

Biko’s Modou Jatta picked up the run on counter attack and Wallidan’s midfielder Sarjo Jarju intercepted the attack as Jatta was wrestled down and the referee whistled for a foul. Fabakary Bojang took the free-kick but his shot however went wide.

Biko goalkeeper Ousman Badjie was shown his marching orders for bundling down Wallidan’s new entrant, striker Ousman Sillah on a one-on one in the 77th minute. Steve Biko managed to survive Wallidan’s push as the game ends at 1-1.

Elsewhere in other venues on Saturday, league leaders Bakau United set the pace straight to go three points clear off the twelve team table after beating Samger 1-0 at the SK Westfield.

Real De Banjul and Gamtel game was postponed.

At the ime of going press, Africell were battling it out with Armed forces, while the promoted Young Africans engaged the Interior FC. Brikama United was rubbing shoulders with Gambia Ports Authority.

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