By Momodou Lamin Sanyang
Daranka Football Academy secured the Kombo Kerewan league trophy in dramatic fashion on Saturday, defeating Real de Kerewan (RDK) 6-5 on penalties after a hard-fought 0-0 draw at the Kombo Kerewan football field.
The much-anticipated final between last year’s runners-up RDK and surprise package Daranka FA drew a large crowd of football lovers from Kombo Kerewan and surrounding villages. High-profile dignitaries including Kombo North Chief Mr Momodou Lamin Touray, Chancellor Mbemba Touray, Mr Aba Sanyang of Kombo Kerewan VDC, Momodou Sanneh head coach of Babilon United, former Wallidan goalkeeper Musa Jarju, Lamin Daffeh of the Mandinaring sports committee, and Mr Abubacarr Ceesay from the NPP were all in attendance.
RDK controlled possession and created the better chances in the first half, but failed to break the deadlock against the determined Daranka defense as the two sides went into the break locked at 0-0.
The second period saw a resurgence from the academy boys of Daranka, who looked dangerous on the counter-attack. However, both teams’ defenses stood firm, ensuring the entertaining contest remained goalless after 90 minutes.
Penalties Decide Championship
As was predetermined for the knockout finals, the two sides proceeded to a penalty shootout to decide the champion. In the dramatic spot-kick finale, Daranka FA edged out their more-fancied opponents 6-5 to clinch the Kombo Kerewan league title.
The new champions received the trophy and a 35,000 dalasi prize from Chief Momodou Lamin Touray, while defeated finalists RDK took home 25,000 dalasi as runners-up.
The dramatic finale continued a recent trend in the Kombo Kerewan league, as the previous Verona FA vs Manjie knockout final a week earlier was also decided by penalties.
Daranka’s surprise triumph marks their emergence as champions in a tightly contested local league campaign full of twists and turns until the very end.