By Kemo Kanyi
Defending champions Real de Banjul FC began their Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Men’s Division One League title defence in commanding fashion on Wednesday, thrashing Greater Tomorrow FC at the Brikama Boxba Mini Stadium.
The match came barely a week after Greater Tomorrow edged the champions on penalties in the GFF Super Cup following a goalless draw, but the league opener told a different story as the visitors dominated proceedings to hand the hosts a bitter start to the new season in front of their home supporters.
Real de Banjul broke the deadlock in the 30th minute through defender Seediki Jawara, who fired home a towering half-volley. Mustapha Badjie doubled the advantage four minutes before the interval to give the capital-based side a comfortable lead at the break.
The champions put the result beyond doubt in the second half when right-back Assan Gibba capped a swift counter-attack with a powerful curling effort into the top left corner, making it 3–0 and sealing an emphatic opening-day victory.
Greater Tomorrow showed some improvement after the break but were unable to find a consolation goal against a well-organised Real de Banjul side.
Meanwhile, at the Jarra Soma Mini Stadium, Hart Football Academy defeated Falcons FC 2–0, while Today Makes Tomorrow (TMT) FC and Team Rhino played out a 1–1 draw at the Late Ousman Saho Football Field in Old Yundum.