Inter-banks tournament reaches semis

By Fatou Gassama

The ongoing late Governor Famara Jatta inter-banks football tournament has reached its semifinals stage. The atmosphere was electric as the final whistle blew, signaling the beginning of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.

There is no room for error in the knockout round as one team would advance to the next stage in every match, and the other would see their dreams dashed in an instant.

Fans packed the mini stadium and their chants echoing in the air as their respective teams face each other, each with their eyes firmly set on victory. With every pass, every tackle, and every goal, the pressure mounted.

This was it – the game that could make or break their tournament hopes. For one team, a place in the semifinals was within reach, while for the other, a long journey is about to come to an abrupt end. The stage is set, and the knockout drama is about to unfold.

Two teams face off, and the match is decided over 90 minutes (plus extra time if needed, and penalties if required).

Winner advances – the winner of each match moves on to the next round.

Loser is eliminated – the team that loses is out of the tournament.

In the event of a draw after the standard time 90 minutes, the match goes to extra time (two periods of 15 minutes.) If it’s still tied after extra time, the game is decided by penalty shootouts.

Teams that secured their place into the semifinals are Bloom Bank, AGIB Bank, GT Bank and Trust Bank Gambia Limited following their respective wins over their opponents.

Sulayman Jallow, head coach of Zenith Bank said they were prepared to win the tournament but were unlucky against AGIB Bank. He added that they will now prepare for next year and hope to lift the trophy.

Musa Leigh, head coach of AGIB Bank expressed delight with his team reaching the semifinals. However, he said that they will work harder because every team that has reached of the competition wants to win it.

He commended the tournament’s referees for their professionalism.

Modou Jatta, head coach of BSIC Bank said they could have won their game against GT Bank during the first half but were unlucky as they did not capitalize on their chances.

Ousainou Njie, head coach of GT Bank admitted that his side is lucky to advance to semifinals as they did not put up their best show against BSIC Bank. He hailed his goalkeeper for saving a penalty kick during the penalty shootouts which guarantee them a place in the semifinals.

 He tasked his players to do better in their semifinals encounter as there are no more second chances at this stage of the tournament.