By: Madi Senghore
The race for the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) First Division League title tightened on Matchday 25 after several leading sides dropped points, increasing the competition at both ends of the table.
League leaders Medina United were held to a 1-1 draw by Steve Biko in Bakau. Adama Kanteh put Medina United ahead in the 56th minute after returning from suspension, but Abdoulie Manneh equalised seven minutes later to secure a point for Steve Biko.
Medina United remain top of the table with 41 points from 25 matches, one point ahead of second-placed Gambia Ports Authority, who have 40 points.
At the Bakau-based Hawks FC, Bombada FC suffered a 3-1 defeat. Hawks took control early through Salim Ceesay in the third minute and Omar Drammeh in the 16th minute, before Sulayman Sowe added a third in the 69th minute. Bombada FC reduced the deficit through Modou Lamin Jammeh in first-half stoppage time.
The result leaves Bombada FC third with 38 points, level with Brikama United and Fortune FC in a closely contested race for the top positions.
Defending champions Real de Banjul were held to a 2-2 draw by Brikama United in Basori. Alasana Saidy scored in the second minute, while Brikama goalkeeper Bubacarr Sillah turned the ball into his own net in the 13th minute to give Real de Banjul a two-goal lead. Brikama United responded through Sulayman Njie in the 36th minute and Alieu Jammeh, who completed the comeback after a counterattack initiated by Sarjo Bojang.
Real de Banjul remain sixth with 34 points, seven behind the leaders, while Brikama United stay in contention for a higher finish.
Fortune FC also failed to close the gap after being held to a goalless draw by Samger FC.
At the bottom of the table, TMT FC and Greater Tomorrow played out a 0-0 draw, leaving TMT FC bottom with 23 points.
The league remains finely poised as the season approaches its decisive stage.