Gunjur FC on Sunday beat Batokunku FC in a dramatic penalty shootouts to clinch a Gach Global sponsored trophy in Tujereng.

The finalists held each other in a colourful 90 minutes of goalless draw – as they tested their goalkeepers numerous times without hitting the nets. 

Gunjur boys drove home with 150,000 dalasis and a giant trophy as the champions of the tournament while their opponent finalist, Batokunku, walked home with 100,000 dalasis as runner-up. 

Speaking to the head coach of Gunjur, Modou Manneh said his boys played tactically to contain their opponents throughout the game.

“We know Gunjur has very young players and we know Batokunku has physical players than us but we used our tactic to contain them in the 90 minutes. That’s our tactic and it worked for us,” he said.

However, his opponent, Lamin Cham, head of Batokunku, said luck was not on their side, adding his boys outplayed their opponents but failed to utilise their chances.   

“For me, I would say it was a wonderful game for my boys. They did well. Although we could not score after having lots of opportunities,” he said.

Abubacarr Jawara, owner of Gach global company and sponsorer of the tournament, promised to continue giving back to Gambians through events like sports and others activities and urged for unity among Gambians. 

“It is very important to us and my company. And the reason we organise this tournament is to mobilise the youths and help them. So, we need to support and help them,” he said. 

“This is to motivate them and we can encourage our youths because our youths are tomorrow’s leaders. So, that’s why it’s very, very important for me and my company to do this kind of things and we will continue to do it,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the championship was contested among six  communities in Kombo south – which saw Sanyang edged Brufut to secure third place in the championship and got awarded 50,000 dalasis. 

Lamin Marenah, captain of Batokunku was awarded best player of the tournament while Kemo Conteh of Sanyang earned the top goal scorer award. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba