By: Kemo Kanyi
Dahaba FC have successfully retained their place in the Manjai Sports Association (MSA) Nawettan after edging out BK Layout 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout at the Father Gough Sports Complex.
The playoff decider ended in a stalemate after regulation time, forcing the game into penalties. Dahaba FC held their nerve from the spot to book their return to the highly competitive community tournament.
BK Layout had initially taken the lead, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error. However, Dahaba responded just nine minutes later with a well-worked equalizer that split open the BK Layout defense.
Despite enduring some nervous moments late in the match, Dahaba FC managed to hold on and eventually came out victorious in the shootout.
BK Layout, who had impressed with a fairytale run during the qualifiers, will now have to wait until next year for another shot at Nawettan football.
The MSA Nawettan qualifiers continue on Wednesday, with Zam Zam FC set to face Uprising Stars in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.