Gambia duo clinch second silverware in US

Gambian exports to America’s Major Soccer League (MLS), Sainey Nyassi and Abdoule Ken Mansally lifted their second silverware on Tuesday night in their second season with New England Revolution when defeated Dynamo 6-5 in a penalty shootout in the final of the SuperLiga.

New England Revolution became the first MLS team to earn the title of SuperLiga champion.

The title was the Revolution’s second in their history and their second in the past two years, as they claimed their first championship — the 2007 US Open Cup.

Tuesday’s final against MLS rivals ended 2-2 after 120 minutes of play, leading to the dreaded lottery.

Nate Jaqua and Kei Kamara gave Houston the lead on two separate occasions — once in regulation and in extra time — but Steve Ralston and Shalrie Joseph scored equalisers for New England on both occasions, ultimately sending the match to the penalty shootout.

The teams were unable to decide a winner until the eighth round of the shootout, when Revs defender Chris Albright buried his penalty right down the middle and Dynamo midfielder Corey Ashe hit the crossbar with his effort, handing the Revolution the title.

The opposition coach, Dominic Kinnear, was full of praises for Revolution and the Gambian exports in particular after the game.

“They are a good team with some great additions. Sainey Nyassi and Kenny Mansally have been good players for them this year.”

Since joining the American giants two seasons back, the Gambian duo have been wowing American audiences,  highlighting an influx of African-born talent that has been making an impact league-wide.