By Madi Senghore
GPA FC, Baalor Sarr and North Star FC have qualified for the quarterfinals of the Gambia Football Federation (FF) Cup following hard-fought Round of Sixteen matches marked by penalty shootouts and late goals.
At Yundum, Samger FC and GPA FC drew 1-1 in regulation time. Baboucarr Cherno Jallow put GPA ahead in the 40th minute before Tapha P. Ndow equalised for Samger in the 66th minute. GPA FC went on to win the penalty shootout 5-4.
In another encounter played in Serekunda East, Wagadu FC and Baalor Sarr ended goalless after regulation time. Baalor Sarr progressed to the next round after edging Wagadu 4-3 on penalties.
At Soma, Hart FC recorded the most emphatic victory of the round with a 3-0 win over Serrekunda FC. Ebrima Barry opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, while Abdoulie Jallow scored twice in the second half to seal the win.
Meanwhile, North Star FC, the only remaining team from the North Bank Region, secured qualification after a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Fortune FC in Brikama. The match had ended 1-1 in regulation time, with Salimina Colley scoring for North Star and Bangally Manneh equalising for Fortune.
The results set up a competitive quarterfinal stage as teams continue their quest for FF Cup glory.