GPA Are Super Cup Champions

The Gambia Ports Authority have been crowned 2008 GFA super cup champions on Friday, February 22, 2008. They snatched the coveted prize after edging GFA 2007 league champions, Real de Banjul, by a lone goal to nil in a dramatic encounter played at the Serekunda East mini Stadium.
 
The match was spectacular though both teams squandered numerous opportunities.

Real de Banjul controlled the game in the first ten minutes of the game, but somehow lacked the gusto to penetrate the GPA defense.

GPA who were awakened from their last defeat in the CAF Confederation Cup, took advantage to settle early in the game and got lots of chances but could not find the back of the net. The best chance of the first half came in the 21st minute when GPA striker, Hatab, made a good run into the Real de Banjul box and lay through a pass to the edge of the six yards of the Real post but no one was at the edge to deliver the final touches. The first half was well played with a big fight in the midfield which was dominated by young midfielders from both teams.

GPA came in the second half with a 3-4-3 formation and nearly got the opener in the 62minute of the second half when Mandou Bojang headed a powerful header from a corner kick, that was saved by Real’s keeper. At the introduction of Sanna Nyassi in the 57 minute, GPA put more pressure on Real de Banjul, when the two wing backs of GPA made a good run to center the ball from the right wing back Foday to find Faye in the left wing who found his team captain Bun Gaye. Bun from a powerful long- range shot scored the only goal of the game in the 67minute. GPA could have capitalised on a lot of chances but Real goalkeeper made another fine save to keep his team in the running, but time was not on Real’s side as GPA emerged victorious at the end of the day.

Speaking to Real de Banjul head coach after the game, Mr Njie told Pointsports that he has accepted the defeat in good faith. “ In football you either lose or win.  He said,” this is a good game and will give us the chance to rectify our errors”.

In his remarks GPA head coach, Ebrima Cham Joof alias Lukeh said,“ I’m really pleased with the performance the boys have shown to day.” He said the win is a motivating factor for us in our return leg in Ivory Coast.

“I feel proud, as this is one of the greatest moments of my life so far”. He said he is really proud to be part of the GPA team.

GPA was handed a giant trophy and a cash of D25,000 while Real de Banjul went with D15,000.

The final was witnessed by the SoS for Youth and Sports, Mass Axi Gai, and The GFA President Seedy MB Kinteh.