Tubakuta Emerge Kombo East Champions

By Lamin Darboe

Tubakuta village team were on Sunday crowned champions of Kombo East district tournament after defeating Kuloro FC by a goal to nil in front of cheering spectators at the Mandinaba playing ground.

The tournament was organized in memory of the late Kebba M. Touray, a parliamentary, who passed away in 2005 while on oversea treatment in Cuba. The tournament which was sponsored by the family of the late Kebba M. Touray in Pirang, attracted villagers to either compete or watch games.

Kuloro looked to be the favorites in the opening minutes of the game with an attractive style of play. They dictated the pace of the game and had more ball possessions, but failed to hit the back of the net.  Yankuba Jallow, Lious Mendy and Buba Fofana all had golden scoring opportunities to put Kuloro ahead, but Tubakuta’s shot stopper Kebba Fadera was always in position to save his side.

In the 33^rd minute, Tubakuta’s striker Papa Jawo was denied a goal by the lines man, as he was on an offside position. The failure to score by both sides ended the first half in a stale mate.

After lemon time, both teams played some beautiful football as they were both attacking and defending as well. Coaches of both side brought in some fresh legs looking for a magic goal.

Omar Sonko and Papa Jawo’s perfect combination was superbly finished by Landing Nyassi, to give Tubakuta the lead just 8 minutes from normal time.

Tubakuta’s stopper Kebba Fadera was the man of the match after he confidently saved a penalty taken by Ebrima Sanyang in the final minute of the added time.

The ambiance was great as fans of both teams were moving around singing and dancing from start to the end.

Tubakuta emerged as winners and went home with a giant trophy and a cash prize of D13, 000, while Kuloro, runners-up went home with a cash prize of D10, 000.

Faraba Banta’s Yaya Jatta went home with a trophy and cash prize of D500 for been the leading goal scorer. The hosts of the final Mandinaba village were given a tap on the back with D500 as the most disciplined team.