Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow led a retreat for permanent secretaries in The Gambia, emphasizing the government’s development plan. He urged them to learn from past retreats and enhance oversight in project implementation. Minister Bouye emphasized empathy and dedication, highlighting the impact of decisions on future generations. The three-day retreat will cover strategy development and review of the 2023 second quarter.
VP Jallow presides over permanent secretaries’ retreat
Over 60 Migrants Believed to Have Died Off the Coast of Libya After Their Boat Sank
By: Alieu Jallow
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 60 people lost their lives in the latest migrant tragedy off North Africa on Saturday. High waves overwhelmed the vessel, which had over 80 people aboard, as it embarked on its risky sea voyage towards Europe.
Most of the victims, including women and children, were from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African countries.
The “large number of migrants” is believed to have perished due to high waves that swamped their vessel after it departed from Zuwara on Libya’s northwest coast, as stated by the IOM’s Libya office.
Citing survivors, it mentioned that there were about 86 migrants on board.
Over the years, Libya and Tunisia have been principal departure points for migrants risking dangerous sea voyages in hopes of reaching Europe, particularly via Italy.
In the latest incident, most of the victims, including women and children, were from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African countries, according to the IOM office. It added that 25 people were rescued and transferred to a Libyan detention center.
Kassa Kunda Alkaliship Tussle: Current Alkalo Accuses Villagers of Jealousy and Hatred
By: Dawda Baldeh
Sheriffo Ebrima Sabally, the Alkalo of Kassa Kunda village, expresses surprise and confusion at the reluctance of some villagers to accept his leadership.
He accuses a segment of the villagers of jealousy and hatred, who are calling for his reinstatement.
Sabally emphasizes that his ascension to the Alkalo role was non-contentious and that he was appointed by the government without seeking the position himself.
Sabally dismisses claims of forceful imposition and urges dissenting individuals to approach the government if they have any disputes regarding his appointment.
“Some villagers are just jealous of me for this position. My father is the founder of this village,” he asserted.
Sabally, whose father is the founder of Kassa Kunda, asserts that he has always respected and maintained good relations with everyone in the village.
He emphasizes that Kassa Kunda is a united and peaceful village.
The embattled Alkalo reiterates that he did not force himself into the Alkalo position and would not have accepted it if it had been imposed on him forcefully.
Addressing the claims made by a few individuals who have made statements Sabally considered “dangerous statements against him,” he denies ever belittling or insulting anyone since becoming Alkalo.
He questions why someone would belittle their brother and mentions Momodou Jawo as one of the individuals who has made critical remarks about him, stating that he has never mentioned or criticized him anywhere.
“I live in peace with everyone, and when my service is needed, I respond,” he added.
Sabally said his appointment as Alkalo was given to him by God through the government, and if anyone has issues with it, they should approach the government.
Sabally insists that the tranquility of the village has been disrupted by a small group of jealous individuals who oppose his leadership due to personal agendas.
Despite calls for the reinstatement of the former Alkalo, Sabally stands firm in his position and emphasizes that his appointment was authorized by the government.
He believes that the opposition to his leadership is driven by jealousy and asserts that no one in Kassa Kunda would accept the former Alkalo back.
Sabally is confident that he will not be replaced as long as the community is alive.
In his concluding statements, Sabally cautions people to be mindful of their words and actions, reminding them that the world will come to an end someday.
He suggests that people should always make statements they can stand by and repeats that he has no ill feelings towards the former Alkalo unless the former Alkalo has them.
On the other hand, Sissaho Sabally, the son of the village founder, Illo Sabally, sheds light on allegations against the Village Development Committee (VDC).
He accuses the committee of pursuing its interests by selling village lands and raises concerns about transparency in reporting land sales.
Sabally reveals disparities between the real amounts and the actual transactions of land sales.
According to Sabally, it is not surprising to them that there are issues with the VDC, as they have been aware of the problem for over a year.
He claims that the VDC is following the former Alkalo for their interests, as he allegedly gave them the lands to sell.
Sabally states that the same people are involved in the VDC, selling the lands, buying them, and conducting development activities without reporting back to the community.
Furthermore, Sabally reveals that they have discovered discrepancies between the amounts reported by the VDC and the actual selling prices of the lands.
He suggests that the VDC is only following the former Alkalo, who is now visually impaired, because they have not experienced any land sales since the appointment of the new Alkalo.
“The current problem arose when the VDC sold lands without providing the buyers with documents.
They (the buyers) requested that he provide them with the documents, but he refused. This has led to anger and the emergence of these issues.
The land buyers are now demanding their documents or their money, which the VDC is unable to provide,” he explained.
Sabally questions why the VDC is involved in Alkalo appointments if they have no interest in it.
Lamin Njie, a supporter of the current Alkalo, believes that the controversy is instigated by a small group of individuals seeking personal gains through land sales.
He asserts that the majority of Kassa Kunda residents support the new Alkalo and dismisses the involvement of certain individuals in land sale documents as baseless.
Interview credit: Buba Gagigo, Kerr Fatou
Update on AKI Trial: Government Negotiating Compensation for Victims’ Families
By: Seringe ST Touray
It can be recalled that in 2022, around seventy children under the age of five succumbed to kidney failure after consuming contaminated medicines, sparking a legal battle led by the Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) association against entities such as Maiden Pharmaceuticals, Atlantic Pharmaceuticals, the Medical Controls Agency, the Ministry of Health, and Attorney General Dawda A. Jallow.
The AKI case is still in progress at the Banjul High Court, before Justice E. Jaiteh. Progress has been made in compensation discussions, but a definite position is yet to be reached. Both plaintiff and defendant counsels have confirmed ongoing talks outside the court, emphasizing that settlement discussions don’t hinder court proceedings.
Justice Jaiteh emphasized that the Indian government bears the responsibility of ensuring companies meet standards, suggesting that if India fails to act, the Gambian government might take legal action. He highlighted the significance of addressing companies exporting medicines from India. Counsel Binga noted the diplomatic nature of such issues, emphasizing the need to follow protocols rather than hastily taking India to court.
The case is adjourned until January 31, 2024.
16 Youths Receive IT Scholarships from Egalitarian Foundation
By: Dawda Baldeh
The Egalitarian Foundation recently granted scholarships to sixteen young Gambians, both male and female, in the field of Information Technology.
The President of the foundation, Mamour M. Mbenga (also known as Kifa Barham), expressed his delight at the foundation’s efforts to support these young individuals in pursuing a certificate program at the Quest Institute of Technology.
The foundation, actively engaged in various community activities and support programs for children with special needs, aims to fulfill its project theme, “Educate Your Neighbor,” by providing opportunities for graduates to pursue courses in Information Technology, Graphic Design, and other related technical programs.
Mbenga emphasized that youth development is a top priority for the foundation and mentioned that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the foundation and Quest Institute of Technology on November 30th to solidify their partnership for future programs.
The ultimate goal of the foundation is to sponsor one hundred young Gambians in various IT, Graphic Design, and technical programs.
“We have already sponsored the first group of sixteen participants, including one sponsored by Mrs. Anna Secka Saine, the Managing Director of Quest Institute of Technology,” Mbenga said.
Ahmed Tijan Bah, the foundation’s Secretary-General, commended the initiative and urged the participants to work towards achieving their goals, highlighting the importance of acquiring knowledge in Information Technology.
The founder of the Egalitarian Foundation, Mr. Modou Lamin Bah (also known as Egalitarian), a renowned musician, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, has played a crucial role in facilitating this initiative. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to empower Gambian youth and support the nation’s potential.
Mrs. Anna Secka Saine, the Managing Director of Quest Institute of Technology, also attended the opening ceremony and emphasized the importance of supporting young people in their career goals. She voluntarily sponsored one participant as a gesture of encouragement toward youth development programs like this one.
Road Cleanup Project
OPINION
By: Momodou Ndow
Those who have lived or traveled abroad know that certain activities require a permit in the West.
For example, you cannot sell on the streets without a permit. Lage len Modou Modou yi. Sayu neka nyu reetay len in New York.
Cities in general have laws that are enforced to keep the city clean, organized, and in order. Even if you want to extend your house or build a structure in your backyard, you have to have a permit and the structure will be inspected to make sure the necessary standards are met.
Different areas in the city or town can only be used according to zoning laws that regulate development. Certain areas are designated for residential, commercial, parks, and other purposes. There is a place for everything, and this helps the city keep things neat and orderly. Motah fee mbeda yi dunge dey tilim ak jahasor. Keeping things in order is crucial for development.
Unlike fofu nonu, where everything goes, nothing is in the proper order. We have laws in place, but they are never enforced. As a result, the entire dayka mungee tilim beh parey chokup. If you say it, nyuneh yow hamulor sa bopa wala danga fuk neh lee wala laa. When you complain about it while there, some will tell you “bayil nyu sunge dayka bi deh” wala nyu hall la bote yu bon. They sometimes act as if njome njor morm dayka bi, just like Goloh used to do.
For decades, people have been allowed to encroach on public space and erect lulen nehh, littering the entire landscape with all sorts of makeshift structures. They will leave all their garbage behind there and go home at the end of the day. Next day, the same thing. Year in and year out, the numbers of vendors keep multiplying too. This is how Pipeline binge dan chow became a marrseh beh guy yi di jai jahatou ak naytaytu si bunti banks yi. Borri Turntable ak Brikama waheh nopi. Ebay beh noring nay komung!
There will always be a cost associated with development everywhere, and that cost is inevitable. Laws must be enforced, and sacrifices must be made. It’s about time for us to stop wasting time on politics and focus on the task at hand. In order to turn things around for the next generation, we must make the necessary sacrifices. It’s clear that our current situation is not sustainable.
That said, I hereby condemn the foul attitude of certain members of the demolition crew towards the vendors. You can work within the confines of the law without being abusive. Power and authority can be handled with grace. No need to get kufang. Although you’re doing your job, it’s important to have understanding and empathy.
Anti-Crime Commander admits to not listening to audio allegedly of Ousainou Bojang confessing to shooting police officers
By: Alieu Jallow
The Commander of the Police Anti-Crime Unit, Momodou Sowe, testified in the High Court of Banjul that he did not listen to the widely circulated WhatsApp audio recording that was claimed to be Ousainou Bojang confessing to the shooting of three police officers at the Sukuta-Jabang Traffic Lights in September.
On September 12, an unidentified gunman shot three police officers at the Sukuta-Jabang Traffic Lights, killing two and seriously injuring one. Ousainou Bojang was later arrested and is being tried for murder.
When asked by Counsel J Darboe if he had listened to the audio conversation between Ousainou Bojang and Mama Jabbie, Commissioner Sowe responded: “No, I didn’t”.
Counsel Darboe informed Sowe that as head of the Anti-Crime Unit, it was his duty to listen to the audio recordings that are central to this case if Mama Jabbie’s testimony was correct.
However, Counsel AM Yusuf objected to Counsel Darboe’s question, stating that it was unfair and disrespectful, arguing that the witness was not present when PW3 testified, and PW5 never mentioned being informed by anyone about an audio conversation between Mama Jabbie and the first accused.
Meanwhile, the defense counsel for the first accused, Lamin J Darboe, argued that in the age of instant communication, police officers investigating crimes should rely on all sources, including personal phone recordings like Mama Jabbie’s, electronic media like WhatsApp, and other social platforms.
Mama Jabbie claimed that she had sent a picture and audio to the Senegalese at Diouloulung.
The arrival of President Adama Barrow from the 64th ECOWAS Summit
The arrival of President Adama Barrow from the 64th ECOWAS Summit
Governor Bojang Leads Talks Between Women Gardeners Of Faraba Kairaba And UTG
Governor Bojang Leads Talks Between Women Gardeners Of Faraba Kairaba And UTG
Sukuta -Jabang Shooting’ He told me he shot them’ Anti- Crime boss tells High Court
Sukuta -Jabang Shooting’ He told me he shot them’ Anti- Crime boss tells High Court
President Barrow Reiterates Gov’t Commitment In Stadium Renovation To Meet CAF Requirement
President Barrow Reiterates Gov’t Commitment In Stadium Renovation To Meet CAF Requirement
Fortune faces Greater Tomorrow in derby cracker
Fortune Football Club will play away this afternoon in Brikama against struggling Greater Tomorrow in what is expected to be a thrilling West Coast Derby in The Gambia Football Federation Division One League.
The two teams are in different positions in the league. Fortune is sitting in the top four, while Greater Tomorrow, just like last season, is struggling at the bottom three.
However, this game does not recognize league standings as the two teams renew regional rivalry and battle for supremacy in the West Coast Region.
Greater Tomorrow started the league brightly with a win in the opening game but has since been struggling to win games. Last week, they were trashed by Falcons 3-0 at the Serre Kunda East Mini-stadium.
Meanwhile, Fortune Football Club seems to have found its footing in the league once more with back-to-back wins in the last two games. The Petroleum Boys won all their three matches played at the Brikama Mini-stadium this season.
The game promises to be a cracker with so much at stake for the two teams.
In the other game today, Bakau giant killers, Steve Biko, will host the Falcons. Both teams won their last games, designing this encounter to be a nail-biting contest.
At Serre Kunda East, Samager will face inform Marimoo side. Marimoo have won their last four games, putting pressure on Champions Real de Banjul. A win for Marimoo Pakfood today will put them on the same point as Real de Banjul.
In Banjul today, records league champions, Wallidan will welcome Bombada FC at the KG5 Mini-stadium. Wallidan will hope to redeem their derby defeat against Real de Banjul last week against the Brikama-based Bombada Football Club.
‘I felt I have grown considerably as a person’: Yankuba Minteh tells TFN after historic UCL goal
By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh
The Gambia’s teenage attacking sensation, who is also the youngest ever Gambian player to play in the Champions League, has told The Fatu Network that he feels he has grown and developed as a footballer, and that he is looking forward to having a memorable Africa Cup of Nations with The Gambia after his impressive performance and historic goal for Feyenoord on Wednesday.
In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, the teenage sensation said his goal in the Champions League means a lot to him, becoming the second Gambian to score in the competition He added his game has grown at Feyenoord.
“This goal means a lot to me as it is my first goal in the Champions League, and not many Gambians have done it. I know this goal means a lot to Gambian football fans. I scored the goal, but I believe it was for them.
“I feel that I have grown considerably as a person and I have developed many aspects of my game at Feyenoord,” he said.
Yankuba is currently playing impressively for the Dutch team Feyenoord. He is expected to represent The Gambia in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next month. Tom Saintfiet is expected to rely on the youngster’s speed and trickery to create havoc in the opponents’ final third.
Yankuba, knowing the expectations on him ahead of the continent’s biggest football stage, said he is calm currently and confident that he will deliver the goods at AFCON together with the rest of the squad.
“I am calm about everything at the moment. This AFCON will be my first-ever major international tournament, and I am looking forward to being part of it and representing my beloved country.
“I think we have so many good players in the national team presently, which gives me hope that we will do our best to achieve something for The Gambia. It won’t be easy, but I have a strong belief in my deals and my teammate’s abilities,” he told The Fatu Network.
He told TFN that playing at Feyenoord has shaped his development in football due to the level of competition he is playing.
NAM asks for more funds to be allocated to Youth & Sports Ministry
By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh
The National Assembly Member (NAM) for Kiang West, Lamin Ceesay, has called for an increase in funds allocated to the Ministry of Youth and Sports as believes that empowering more young people in the country will help reduce the issue of illegal migration, commonly known as ‘backway’.
Honourable Ceesay made these remarks during his deliberations on the appropriations bill for the 2024 budget.
He stated that the allocation of fifty thousand Dalasi to 32 Gambian youths by the National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI), which is responsible for training young people and providing support to small businesses, is insufficient. He believes that the government should do more to support young people and small businesses instead.
“We the youths of this country are telling you that this is a small commitment to the development of the youth sector. This is minimal. 1.6 million dalasi for 32 youths is very small,” he said.
He added that for the country to mitigate the high number of youths embarking on the ‘backway’ journey, the government needs to pump in a huge amount of funds into the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
“To stop illegal migration, we need to empower the youth ministry. Looking at 50 thousand each to 32 youths is very minimal. In order to avert what is happening, we have to invest massive resources in the future of this country,” he pointed out.
NEDI supported 32 youths through loans after training some of them in entrepreneurship.
The Ministry of Youths and Sports, in the 2024 Budget, is allocated D122.3 million, an amount considered to be insufficient for the youth ministry.
In his response, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, said the money allocated to the Ministry of Youth Sports is an underestimation of money allocated to young people.
He said the ministries of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Agriculture and Tourism are other ministries that have funds allocated to supporting the youths in their various programs.
Gambia still imports drugs from India despite AKI tragedy but…
By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh
Despite the 2022 Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) outbreak that killed over 70 Gambian children, which was believed to be a result of contaminated syrups from India, the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, has told the National Assembly that the country still imports drugs from India, but unlike before, the ministry has contracted a firm in India to check and confirm medicines before importing to the Gambia for usage.
The minister informed the lawmakers that since the AKI outbreak in the country, the Ministry of Health, through the Medical Control Agency (MCA), took various steps to extensively scrutinize medicines in India before shipping them to the country.
“Since the onset of the AKI in this country, various steps have been taken. The importation of drugs from India has been scrutinized and there has been, importantly, a robust pre-shipping regime now to ensure that these drugs are checked even before they leave the shores [of India]. A firm has been contracted by the Medicine Control Agency to do that pre-shipment,” he said.
Dr. Samateh noted that the Medical Control Agency in The Gambia is a small agency that is struggling with the capacity to do all that it wants to do about inspections of drugs before importing them into the country. According to him, The Gambia lacks pharmacists.
He, however, said that his ministry is endeavouring to build the capacity of its staff.
He assured the lawmakers that the contracted firm would check drugs meant to be sent into the country and make sure that they are from registered pharmacy companies in India.
Recently, over 50 pharmaceutical companies in India have failed the test for the production of syrups.
Sukuta-Jabang Shooting: ‘He told me he shot them’ — Anti Crime Unit boss tells High Court
By: Alieu Jallow
The head of the Police Anti-Crime unit, Momodou Sowe, testified before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court on Tuesday that Ousainou Bojang, the first accused person in the ongoing Sukuta-Jabang Traffic Lights police shooting trial, had confessed to him of committing the crime.
“He confessed to me that he did the act. He [told me] he shot at them,’’ Commissioner Momodou Sowe told the court.
Commissioner Sowe said while driving from the Casamance region of Diouloulou, he told him that the broken windscreen of the Benz stationed at the crime scene was intended for double PC Ancy Jawo and further explained the route he used to escape.
“He also explained how he escaped after the shooting incident. [His] sister, the second accused, facilitated his escape by providing a Benz C- class that took him up to Darselamine. He entered Senegal through Cassamance to Diouloulou,’’ Sowe said.
Commissioner Sowe stated that Ousainou claimed to have fled the country due to issues with his white girlfriend who threatened to post his naked videos on social media. However, Ousainou was unable to clarify this claim and instead shifted focus to narrating how the shooting incident occurred.
“When I questioned him [about] the social media [issue], he was stuck and could not further explain. That was how he brought up the story of the police shooting and started explaining how the police shooting happened’’.
Commissioner Sowe informed the court that a team of investigators was sent to Brufut. Ousainou led the team to his house and workplace, where they discovered combat shoes, a white kaftan, and black jeans soaked in a bucket. This was based on the testimonies of witnesses at the crime scene.
“During the investigation by investigating officers, he said that he was not using that combat shoe but instead a desert combat shoes that was recovered subsequently by investigators from their compound”.
The case resumes on Thursday 14th of December 2023 at 1 p.m.
“I Can’t Remember the September 12th Police Shooting Incident,” said Lamin Fofona
By: Alieu Jallow
Lamin Fofona, a resident of Sukuta Traffic Light and a watchman by profession, informed the court presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh that he couldn’t recall the September 12th police shooting.
“I can’t remember the September 12th police shooting incident,” Lamin reiterated.
He explained that he couldn’t recall the incident and that all he knew was that he went to the mosque to pray Maghrib prayers. Afterward, he sat on the fence, and that was all he could remember.
Lamin further told the court that while sitting on the fence, he saw his uncle, Adama Jobe, chasing someone whom he claimed was a thief. He ran after him, but the alleged thief threw an object at him. Lamin dived to save his head from the thrown object.
Fofona asserted that his chase of the alleged thief was futile, and he subsequently went back to his duty post, leaving his door unlocked.
PW 4 informed the court that he found a gun but threw it in an empty land. When asked by State Counsel AM Yusuf about the origin of the gun, PW4 stated that he couldn’t tell because the alleged thief was trying to hit him with an object, and he bent to save his head.
“I threw the gun in an empty area opposite my compound,” Lamin said.
He mentioned that after he threw the gun, he called his boss, Ansumana Tunkara, and his boss told him not to relate the news to anyone. Instead, he would call someone to collect the gun.
“My boss eventually called someone to pick up the gun.”
The witness was questioned on the outlook and type of the gun. Here is what he had to say, “I don’t know guns and the types of guns, so if you ask me such kind of question, how would you expect me to answer such a question?” Lamin stressed.
Defense counsel for the accused person, Counsel J Darboe, asked the witness if the gun he picked was in order or dismantled into pieces. The witness said that the gun was ripped to pieces, and he just picked it up and threw it away.
The case resumes on December 12th, 2023, for the hearing of PW 5.
‘Backway’: Investigate coastal authorities or be held accomplice — Kiang West NAM tells govt
By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh
The National Assembly Member (NAM) of Kiang West, Honourable Lamin Ceesay, has requested an investigation into the large number of young Gambians who leave the country through the ‘backway’ route across the Mediterranean Sea, warning that if the government does not take action, it may be accused of aiding and abetting the situation, as different security officers are stationed on the coast to monitor illegal activities.
During the National Assembly session discussing the budget allocated to the Ministry of Youths and Sports for empowering young people, Honourable Ceesay proposed that the government should investigate how migrants would be able to escape the various security forces stationed around the coast to monitor activities.
“I think an investigation needs to be launched on this, or else, we will accuse them [security officers] as accomplices to this because you cannot post people there, and they are giving resources to monitor our waters — and there is no way better to monitor our waters than stopping our youths from traveling illegally,” he said.
He pointed out that the issue needs to be looked at and blamed the security forces for not effectively monitoring the coast.
“What is happening to security sectors that are guarding our coast? They need to be thoroughly looked at. We have the Immigration and the Navy, how come these people escaped in our waters and traveled this far, and we can only be informed that a boat sunk through others rather than our authorities because they are not monitoring?
“In my view, if the coast of our waters is well monitored, these people should not escape our waters either night or day,” Ceesay said.
Last week, the nation went into mourning after news revealed that a boat that carried over sixty Gambian youths, mostly people from Kartong and Jambur, capsized in the sea, without any survivors.
During his Meet-the-people tour, President Adama Barrow announced that his government would legislate a law that would criminalize the smuggling of migrants through the ‘backway’ journey.
Gambia is Facing Economic Challenges as Inflation Hit a Record High of 18.5% in September
By: Seringe ST Touray
The Gambia is facing economic challenges as inflation hit a record high of 18.5% back in September, according to the Finance Minister during his budget speech last week. The surge is attributed to global food and energy price increases, along with strong domestic demand.
“This situation was aggravated by the balance of payments [which have been] negatively affected by high food and fuel import bills, disruptions of cashew and elevated freight costs,” Minister Keita said.
The minister highlighted the adverse effects on the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals, including foreign exchange shortages and pressure on the Dalasi.
The Central Bank reported a moderate depreciation of the Dalasi against major currencies, further exacerbated by disruptions in cashew production and elevated freight costs. Inflation’s impact includes eroding household purchasing power, restricted credit to productive sectors, and geopolitical tensions.
The Finance Minister anticipates a decline in global headline inflation but acknowledges the challenges posed by the cost of food and fuel, influenced by global factors and the conflict in Ukraine.
GFF first division week 5 round up: Real trash Wallidan, Greater Tomorrow sinks, win for Fortune, Marimoo
By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh
On Saturday, Real de Banjul, the reigning champions, showcased a remarkable performance against their traditional rivals, Wallidan FC, in the ongoing GFF league. The star player, Alasana Yirajang, proved to be the game-changer as he displayed individual brilliance which helped his team secure a decisive 3-1 victory, continuing their winning streak of five straight games. Meanwhile, Fortune FC maintained their invincibility at home this season with an impressive 1-0 win over Samger, thanks to Mustapha Jallow’s goal.
The Gambia Football Division One League continues to produce thrilling and cracking games. In week five of the league, a total of 15 goals were scored.
The weekend’s football games kicked off on Friday at the Brikama mini-stadium. Fortune Football Club maintained their unbeaten record at home with a 1-0 victory over Samger. The Petroleum Boys have now won three league matches out of five, all of them played at Brikama. The game was decided by a sublime header from Mustapha Jallow in the 15th minute.
Meanwhile, at the Serre Kaunda East stadium, Falcons thrashed struggling Greater Tomorrow by scoring three stunning goals to nil. Greater Tomorrow’s woes in the league continue as they sink further into the relegation zone.
At Yundum, Marimoo spanked BST Galaxy by two goals to one to put pressure on Real de Banjul at the top of the league standings.
On Saturday, Team Rhino and Brikama United played each other to a goalless draw in a lacklustre match. While The Gambia Armed Forces lost to Waa Banjul by a goal to nil.
In Basori, Alasan Yirajang scored a hat-trick as Real de Banjul trashed traditional rivals, Wallidan by 3-1.
On Sunday, Bombada recorded their second win of the season with a two-nil win over TMT.
In Banjul, Steve Biko defeated Banjul United by 2-0.
After week five, Real de Banjul are showing no sign of bowing out in their quest to retain the league title with a hundred percent winning streak. They sit on top with 15 points, followed by Marimoo with 12 points. Team Rhino sits third with 11 points, followed by Fortune FC at 4th with 10 points.
Record winners, Wallidan sits at the bottom with just two points. Greater Tomorrow are second from the bottom with 4 points. Above them is town rivals, Brikama United with 5 points.