A SPORTING MIRACLE: KOMBO EAST INFLICTS EVERLASTING AGONY ON BRIKAMA

Perhaps the biggest sporting miracle in the history of the super "nawettan" championship since its inception in 1991, for an odd side to defeat a realistic title contender in such fashion, and left them with a pain that will last for a life time.

Kombo East starting XI against Brikama

Kombo East defeated Brikama for the second successive time in the same competition and condemn them from reaching the place they stopped last season. Brikama were runners up last season after losing 4 – 3 on penalities to Serrekunda East in the finals following a 1 – 1 draw. Hopes are high among the Brikama supporters that, they might surpass that feat but, a rejuvenated, energetic and determine Kombo East side stands between them and that dream, a 2 – 0 win in a semifinal game at the West mini-park is what makes all the difference.

The crowd both side pulled indicates what a victory would mean to either side. Brikama fans were with the believe that their side will rally for a revenge, while Kombo East supporters were hopeful of stretching their unbeaten run to six.

After a 1 – 0 defeat to Kombo East at the group stages, Brikama had said that “if their fans didn’t bring that game into disrepute, they might have staged a comeback within that last 8 minute”. However, a fresh untampered 90minute presents itself between the two at the most crucial stage. It was a moment for Kombo East to prove that their first triumph was not a “narrow escape”!

Brikama starting XI against Kombo East

From the first whistle, Kombo East have shown all indications, the difficult evening it was going to be for Brikama with their all attacking and defending football, which left Brikama running for cover for most part of the game.

It was a game that lived up to its billing, full of quality, and individual brilliance, with Brikama struggling to play their full part, but Kombo East will know this result may come to be seen at the decisive moment in their pursuit of the elusive crown.

As early as the 5th minutes Kombo East fans broke into wild celebrations when Modou Jarju capitalizes on a lapse in concentration by Brikama centre-back Kemo Kanteh, whose reaction for a clearance, was slow for the movements of Modou Jarju, who sneak from behind to strike home beyond the onrushing Bubacarr Sillah in the Brikama post.

Modou Kujabi celebrating his goal. P.C Foday Jatta

The goal make the challenge arduous for Brikama, and their fans start to wonder, if they can find a way back against a ruthless kombo east side full of flair, zest, energy and pace.

In containing Kombo East, Brikama must sit deep to hit on counter attacks, something they will never afford to do, as it will not only reduce their strength upfront, but will also be the biggest insult to their football judging by their experience in the championship.

They keep trying their luck, and captain Papis Nyassi put through Abdoulie Baldeh who forced a shot off kombo East goalkeeper in the 27th minute in what was their only meaningful attempt in the first period.

Kombo East though, further had two good opportunities on the 33rd minute when the fulcrum of their attack Momodou Boye Bah forced a diving save off Sillah, before doing well on the 38th minutes to mesmerize the Brikama defence and roll a shot just an inch-wide form a position where he really should have scored.

From the break Brikama knew not only reaching the finals was at stake, but a mission to salvage their reputations and pride as well against Kombo East who until the start of the tournament were minnows. Abdoulie Baldeh in trying his luck, fired a strong attempt targeting the goal post but the Kombo East goalkeeper was equal to the task as he took off the power from the shot before saving it well.

That attempt angered Kombo East as they lit top gear on the 63rd minute to double their lead. Suhaibou Camara did well down the left side of the Brikama 18yard box to skip inside a rushing defender and squared a pass for the arriving Momodou Boye Jallow, who strike home a malicious shot into the top half of the goal post.

Brikama were well contained by Kombo East, nothing about their tactics work. Their key figures’ including Abdoulie Baldeh and Lamin Badjie flopped and next to nothing was seen of their team captain Papis Nyassi the tournament’s top scorer with six goals in six games.

Instead Kombo East Modou Kujabi, Alieu Bojang, Suhaibou Camara and Momodou Boye Jallow were the pick of the attackers on view as they combine well in a beautiful build up on the 77th minutes from which Boye struck the stand post with a left foot strike, a chance that was going to make the score even more embarrassing.

Kombo East Momodou Boye Jallow (in orange) charge by Brikama Kemo Kanteh

Brikama tried to stage a late rally deep in stoppage time, but the efforts from substitute Adama Sidibe’s header, only bounce on top of the crossbar and the final whistle which was greeted with wild celebrations by the jubilant Kombo East supporters followed soon after.

Though, there is nothing miraculous about the performance of kombo East, but going this far and remaining the only unbeaten side with just a single draw in six games, realistically caught even the most ardent of supporter by surprise.

It was a day when Kombo East could make the statement loud and clear that their victory over Brikama at the group stages was no surprise. They look energized and have game changers in all departments. They are simply like a complete team. There is no obvious weakness.

If Kombo East do not win it this season, given their form, focus and current advantage, they will never forgive themselves. Probably they might need a long wait to assemble such a formidable side again, but only one team can deny them the title: themselves.

If they keep their focus, Serrakunda East will not be their match on Saturday 30th November, 2019 in the finals.