After a ten-month hiatus due to the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 2021 Gambia Division One League kicked off over the weekend with some mouthwatering fixtures.
With adherence to COVID-19 protocols, the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) received the greenlight from the Health Ministry to start the league.
The GFF says the top-flight matches will be played across three venues (Independence Stadium, National Technical Training Centre, and Live Your Dreams Sports Academy), whilst works at the Banjul and Brikama mini stadiums are expected to be completed by the end of February.
Real de Banjul kicked off their pursuit for a 14th league title with a 2-1 victory against resilient Tallinding United at the new Live Your Dreams Sports Academy stadium on Friday 15 January 2021.
The Whites, as Real de Banjul are nicknamed, broke the deadlock five minutes before halftime through youngster Salifu Colley’s close-range effort. The leaders of the annulled 2019/20 season doubled their lead two minutes after the recess when their powerful forward Ebrima Jatta beat the keeper with fierce strike outside the area. The visitors rallied to pull a goal back through Lamin Kinteh’s spot kick twelve minutes from time.
Friday’s second fixture saw Fortune edge Waa Banjul 1-0 at the Independence Stadium.
Former Real de Banjul winger Bully Drammeh scored the lone goal after 38 minutes to give his side all three points.
There were victories for Elite United and Gambia Armed Forces in Saturday’s fixtures.
Gambia U-20 midfielder Lamarana Jallow scored twice to give Elite United a 2-1 victory against old campaigners Hawks FC. While Gambia Armed Forces scored on either side of halftime to see off Marimoo FC.
Gambia’s most successful club in the Gambia, Wallidan came from behind to draw 1-1 with Brikama on Sunday. Meanwhile, Gambia Ports Authority and Banjul United shared the spoils in the Banjul derby.
Former champions Gamtel were beaten 3-1 by Bakau Kachikaly (BK) Milan. Goals from U-20 midfielder Wally Fofana, Ismaila Sambou and Buba Jammeh secured the points for BK Milan.
This article was previously published on CAFonline.com
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