By: Kemo Kanyi
Leaders Gambia Ports Authority FC suffered a surprise 2–0 defeat to Samger FC on Saturday as the GFF First Division League produced dramatic results at both ends of the table.
Reigning champions Real de Banjul FC kept pressure on the leaders with a narrow 1–0 away victory over Hart FC in Jarra Soma.
Elsewhere, Brikama United FC defeated Hawks FC 2–1 at home, while Steve Biko FC secured a hard-fought 1–0 win over Team Rhino FC.
Steve Biko claimed only their second victory of the season thanks to Abdoulie Manneh’s powerful strike in the 17th minute at the Bakau Mini Stadium.
Team Rhino pushed hard for an equaliser but their task became more difficult after Musa Jarju was sent off for a second yellow card. Biko held on for the vital win to move off the bottom of the table.
In Jarra Soma, Real de Banjul secured maximum points against Hart after Omar Johm scored in the 50th minute from a cross delivered by captain Assan Gibba.
The defending champions held on to claim the win and close the gap on leaders Gambia Ports Authority to just one point.
At the Ousman Saho Football Field, Samger stunned the league leaders with a 2–0 victory. Tapha P.O. Ndow opened the scoring in the 33rd minute before Ismaila Manneh added a second in first-half stoppage time to seal the win for the Academy Boys.
In Brikama, Brikama United edged Hawks 2–1 at the Box Bar Mini Stadium. After a goalless first half, Samba Jatta gave the hosts the lead in the 51st minute following a corner kick delivered by Demba Danjo.
Hawks equalised in the 62nd minute when Omar Jammeh struck from outside the penalty area to beat goalkeeper Bubacarr Sillah.
However, Abubacarr Jarju restored Brikama United’s lead six minutes from time with a powerful long-range strike that secured all three points for the Sateyba Boys.
Following the results, Real de Banjul moved up to second place in the standings on 28 points, level with Fortune FC and just one point behind leaders Gambia Ports Authority.
Steve Biko climbed to 14th position with 16 points, level with Samger and bottom side TMT FC as the relegation battle intensifies.
Week 17 of the league concludes on Sunday with Bombada FC hosting Falcons FC Gambia in Brikama, while Gambian Dutch Lions FC face BST Galaxy FC at the Ousman Saho Football Field.