By: Madi Seneghore
Colley Stars FC secured promotion to the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) First Division on Friday following a 1-1 draw with Marimoo Pakfood FC, while the battle for playoff places and survival in the GFF-APS Wallet Men’s Second Division League intensified with only two rounds remaining.
The Week 32 fixtures produced significant developments at both ends of the table, with Wallidan FC, North Star, Menmar Banjul United, Gunjur United and the Gambia Armed Forces all recording crucial victories to boost their respective ambitions.
Colley Stars, formerly known as BK Milan, confirmed their return to the top flight at the Ousman Saho Football Field after Bakary Sanyang gave the league leaders the lead before Armando Jatta equalised late for Marimoo Pakfood.
The result was enough to secure one of the two automatic promotion places for Colley Stars, while preserving Marimoo Pakfood’s hopes of avoiding relegation.
North Star strengthened their playoff bid with a 1-0 victory over RS Tallinding in Kerr Jatta, courtesy of Mamadou Ndure’s second-half strike.
Wallidan FC came from behind to defeat Kanifing East FC 2-1 at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium. Molamin Faye opened the scoring for Kanifing East before Alagie Gibba and John Gomez scored after the break to earn Wallidan maximum points and postpone Kanifing East’s promotion celebrations.
At the Brikama Box Bar Mini Stadium, the Gambia Armed Forces defeated AJ Soccer 2-1 to remain in contention for a playoff place. Abdoulie Joof converted an early penalty before Yusupha Fofana equalised, but Billy K. Jammeh scored the winner for the Army side.
Menmar Banjul United also maintained their promotion challenge with a 1-0 win over Suwo Kono in Soma, where Bailo Jallow netted the decisive goal four minutes from time.
Elite United and Wagadu played out a 2-2 draw in Basori, while Gunjur United eased their relegation concerns with a 2-0 victory over Serrekunda United thanks to a brace from Lamin Jammeh.
With two matches remaining, Colley Stars have already secured promotion, while second-placed Kanifing East require one more point to seal the second automatic promotion berth.
The race for the playoff positions remains open, with Baalor Sarr and Menmar Banjul United level on 51 points, followed by Elite United (49), North Star (48), RS Tallinding (46), Sibanor United (45), Gambia Armed Forces (44) and Wallidan (44).
At the foot of the table, Serrekunda FC have already been relegated, while Marimoo Pakfood, Gunjur United, Suwo Kono, Wagadu, AJ Soccer, Serrekunda United and Unique Global continue their battle to avoid joining them in the Third Division.