After an intense and hard-fought semifinal victory over seasoned rivals Mesira United, Kunkujang Friends are poised on the brink of history. 

For the first time ever, the team has reached the West Coast Regional Third Division League final just steps away from promotion to the Second Division. 

With confidence running high and momentum on their side, the Kunkujang Friends are sending a clear message to their upcoming opponents this season.

Kunkujang Friends head coach Modou Jagne reflected on the challenges his team faced in the semifinal, emphasising the experience gap between the sides.

“It was very difficult because we were playing a semifinal against a team like Mesira, who have more experience than us,” Jagne told reporters. “This is their third consecutive time making it to the semifinals, and it was our first. So the preparation was hectic and the match was challenging but Alhamdulilah, we came out victorious.”

Despite Mesira’s possession dominance, Jagne revealed that his tactical approach was to concede the ball and focus on defence.

“They claimed they had more experience than us, so we gave them the ball,” he said. “In the first half, we created some chances but couldn’t capitalise. At halftime, I told my players to relax and defend and that we would go to penalties. I believe in my goalkeeper; he’s very good with penalties. And my players too are confident kickers. I was sure we’d win if it came down to a shootout and we did.”

Looking ahead to the final, Jagne expressed strong belief in his squad’s ability to secure promotion.

“Our aim is to play in the Second Division next season, and we are still on track,” he said. “Whether it’s Gambinos or Sibanor in the final, we’re going to beat them. No team is going to stop us this year in the West Coast. It’s something we mean, and we’ve been proving it since the beginning of the season.”

By Ebrima KB Sonko