By: Modou Lamin Sanneh
KGH Academy will play defending champions Sanchaba United in the finals of the Lamin Nawettan competition after the former defeated Kombo Kerewan United 5-3 on post-match penalties, in a delayed semifinal of the competition at the weekend.
After losing the finals of the knockout competition to Sateba United the other week, Kombo Kerewan was hoping to bounce back by securing a place in Sunday’s showpiece, but following a goalless stalemate at the end of regulation time, their fate was sealed as any hopes of a silverware had again gone down the drain.
It was a double joy for KGH Academy as the game was witnessed by 20 members of their affiliate academy from the United Kingdom and the visiting party might be impressed with the performance of some players who could be offered trials in the UK in future.
Speaking in a post-match interview with this reporter shortly after the game, KGH Coach Ismaila Senghore expressed delight for securing a place in yet another final. Describing Kombo Kerewan as a very complicated opponent, Senghore opined that the reason for their success was playing their game plan to perfection.
He further told the Daily Observer that he is confident of winning the competition, which final is scheduled at the Sanna Jatta Memorial Football Ground.
According to Senghore, his KGH has a decent record over Sanchaba United from recent encounters and he believes that that will work to their advantage come this weekend. While maintaining that his side will be well prepared for the final on Sunday, the KHG coach challenged the fans of the team to come out in their numbers to cheer them on.
For his part, Dembo Bojang, the head coach of Kombo Kerewan, attributed his side’s defeat to fatigue, having played in the finals of the knockout competition few days earlier, coupled with the team’s involvement in the third division qualifiers of the West Coast Region Football Association.
Nikko Williamson, a member of the sponsors of the KGH Academy from England expressed delight at the outcome of the game, noting that it was the first time they saw the eam in live action. She noted that the performance of both sides was impressive, adding that they can’t wait for Sunday’s final.