Barrow’s Norrköping win at home against Jawo’s Elfsborg
Amadou Jawo
22nd October 2012
Gambia-hopeful Amadou Jawo’s IF Elfsborg missed the chance to go top of the Swedish Allsvenskan as they lost 2-1 at youngster Modou Barrow’s IFK Norrköping at the Norrköpings Idrottspark.
Jawo and Barrow weren’t in their respective teams as they watched from the stands. Stefan Daisuke Ishizaki’s tenth-minute own goal and a James Frempong effort eight minutes later put the hosts two up. Jon Jonsson pulled a goal back 11 minutes from time, but they could not find an equaliser.
Defeat left Elfsborg one point behind leaders BK Häcken and level with Malmö FF while victory lifts Barrow’s Norrköping to sixth on the table levelling on points with Helsingborg.
Gambia-hopeful Amadou Jawo’s IF Elfsborg missed the chance to go top of the Swedish Allsvenskan as they lost 2-1 at youngster Modou Barrow’s IFK Norrköping at the Norrköpings Idrottspark.
Jawo and Barrow weren’t in their respective teams as they watched from the stands. Stefan Daisuke Ishizaki’s tenth-minute own goal and a James Frempong effort eight minutes later put the hosts two up. Jon Jonsson pulled a goal back 11 minutes from time, but they could not find an equaliser.
Defeat left Elfsborg one point behind leaders BK Häcken and level with Malmö FF while victory lifts Barrow’s Norrköping to sixth on the table levelling on points with Helsingborg.
Demba Savage’s dominant HJK sweep KR aside
Demba Savage
July 18th 2012
Gambia international Demba Savage and his Finnish Veikkausliiga side HJK Helsinki took a giant step towards a place in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round after Juho Mäkelä’s hat-trick helped them to a 7-0 win at home to KR Reykjavík.
The Finnish champions took control from the outset and were rewarded for their ambition when Mäkelä found the net with a tidy finish from close range. They doubled their lead seven minutes later after Joel Pohjanpalo was felled in the area by Gudmundur Reynir Gunnarsson.
Returning to his homeland after an 11-year hiatus, midfielder Mika Väyrynen made up for lost time by confidently dispatched the ensuing penalty. Far from tightening their grip, HJK allowed KR to stage a spirited response but they failed to convert a flurry of chances.
The Icelanders were made to pay for their profligacy three minutes after the break; Demba Savage assisted Pohjanpalo in finding the top corner with a sumptuous strike and paving the way for a dominant second-half display.
Rasmus Schüller’s smart finish made it four on 57 minutes, before Pohjanpalo stripped KR of any remaining confidence with his second. Refusing to relent, HJK extended their lead through Mäkelä, before the 28-year-old forward completed his hat-trick with seven minutes remaining.
Demba Savage and his HJK now turn their attention to the league as they prepare to host FC Haka at the Sonera Stadium before travelling to Iceland for the return leg of the qualifiers set to be played at the KR-Völlur stadium in Reykjavík.
Gambia international Demba Savage and his Finnish Veikkausliiga side HJK Helsinki took a giant step towards a place in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round after Juho Mäkelä’s hat-trick helped them to a 7-0 win at home to KR Reykjavík.
The Finnish champions took control from the outset and were rewarded for their ambition when Mäkelä found the net with a tidy finish from close range. They doubled their lead seven minutes later after Joel Pohjanpalo was felled in the area by Gudmundur Reynir Gunnarsson.
Returning to his homeland after an 11-year hiatus, midfielder Mika Väyrynen made up for lost time by confidently dispatched the ensuing penalty. Far from tightening their grip, HJK allowed KR to stage a spirited response but they failed to convert a flurry of chances.
The Icelanders were made to pay for their profligacy three minutes after the break; Demba Savage assisted Pohjanpalo in finding the top corner with a sumptuous strike and paving the way for a dominant second-half display.
Rasmus Schüller’s smart finish made it four on 57 minutes, before Pohjanpalo stripped KR of any remaining confidence with his second. Refusing to relent, HJK extended their lead through Mäkelä, before the 28-year-old forward completed his hat-trick with seven minutes remaining.
Demba Savage and his HJK now turn their attention to the league as they prepare to host FC Haka at the Sonera Stadium before travelling to Iceland for the return leg of the qualifiers set to be played at the KR-Völlur stadium in Reykjavík.
Piaček’s goal puts Ceesay’s Žilina in charge
Zico's Zilina have edge in qualifiers
July 18th 2012
Jozef Piaček headed in the only goal as Momodou “Zico” Ceesay’s MŠK Žilina, group stage participants two seasons ago, condemned Israeli Premier League champions Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona F.C to defeat in their first UEFA Champions League match at the Štadión Pod Dubňom.
It seemed the hosts’ chance of establishing a lead to carry into next Tuesday’s second qualifying round second leg had lapsed when impressive Kiryat Shmona goalkeeper Daniel Amos saved Ricardo Nunes’ 81st-minute penalty.
Piaček, however, redeemed his team-mate by directing in captain Miroslav Barčík’s corner 60 seconds later. Amos frustrated the Slovakian side on more than one occasion before he was eventually beaten, denying Zico Ceesay early on from a tight angle and then Piaček from Nunes’ centre.
The same players combined again a minute later, Piaček getting the slightest of touches to a cross only for the ball to strike the crossbar. The visitors responded with Shimon Abhazira shooting wide in their first incursion into the Žilina penalty area, while after the break Sali Hassarmi struck the bar when it appeared easier to score following David Solari’s corner.
The grounded Amos then somehow thwarted Zico and, a quarter of an hour later from the penalty spot, Nunes, but Piaček made sure Frans Adelaar’s men had something to work with going into the return leg.
The Slovakian champs must now travel next Thursday to wager their small advantage at Kiryat Eli’ezer Stadium — where Hapoel have posted 13 clean sheets in their last 17 league games — for a place in the third qualifying round.
Jozef Piaček headed in the only goal as Momodou “Zico” Ceesay’s MŠK Žilina, group stage participants two seasons ago, condemned Israeli Premier League champions Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona F.C to defeat in their first UEFA Champions League match at the Štadión Pod Dubňom.
It seemed the hosts’ chance of establishing a lead to carry into next Tuesday’s second qualifying round second leg had lapsed when impressive Kiryat Shmona goalkeeper Daniel Amos saved Ricardo Nunes’ 81st-minute penalty.
Piaček, however, redeemed his team-mate by directing in captain Miroslav Barčík’s corner 60 seconds later. Amos frustrated the Slovakian side on more than one occasion before he was eventually beaten, denying Zico Ceesay early on from a tight angle and then Piaček from Nunes’ centre.
The same players combined again a minute later, Piaček getting the slightest of touches to a cross only for the ball to strike the crossbar. The visitors responded with Shimon Abhazira shooting wide in their first incursion into the Žilina penalty area, while after the break Sali Hassarmi struck the bar when it appeared easier to score following David Solari’s corner.
The grounded Amos then somehow thwarted Zico and, a quarter of an hour later from the penalty spot, Nunes, but Piaček made sure Frans Adelaar’s men had something to work with going into the return leg.
The Slovakian champs must now travel next Thursday to wager their small advantage at Kiryat Eli’ezer Stadium — where Hapoel have posted 13 clean sheets in their last 17 league games — for a place in the third qualifying round.
Gambia drawn in Group B in U-17 Women’s World Cup
Gambia Women Under 17
July 6th 2012
The Gambia has been drawn in Group B in the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in Azerbaijan from 22 September to 13 October.
The draw took place today at the International Mugam Centre in Baku and it ended a nervous wait for the 16 qualified nations as they discovered the identity of their rivals in the group phase.
The Girl Scorpions were drawn in Group B alongside France, USA and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Gambia was represented in the draw by Head Coach Buba K Jallow and Mariama Sowe.
The draw was presided over by Tatjana Haenni; FIFA’s Head of Women’s Competitions and carried out by Dutch star Ronald de Boer, big name of the Dutch football, Azerbaijan coach Berti Vogts as well as two stars from the Azerbaijan U-17 women’s team: Amina Heydarova and Aysun Aliyeva.
Gambia have never qualified a women’s team for a major championship before, and they had never even entered a team in the U-17 preliminaries before. So the success of Coach Buba Jallow’s team earlier this year was a pleasant surprise for the country.
The country did not have a FIFA-recognized youth national team until 2012, when the Gambia under-17 women’s team competed in Confederation of African Football qualifiers for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Gambia had fielded an under-17 team of 24 players, narrowed from an initial pool of 49 young women. The Girls Scorpions first played Sierra Leone in a pair of qualifying matches for the tournament in which they won 3-0 at home.
The return match was delayed in for 24 hours and played in Makeni and they beat Sierra Leone 4-3 to qualify for the final round. They then beat Tunisia 1-0 at home and won 2-1 in Tunisia with Adama Tamba and Awa Demba scoring the goals while Tunisia’s only goal was an own goal.
Although they will no doubt be considered outsiders at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the Gambian team will be buoyed by the win over Tunisia, particularly after they came from a goal behind in the away leg.
The Gambia plays its first Group B match at the 15,000 capacity Eighth Kilometer District Stadium in Nizami raion, Baku, opening its tournament on Sept. 22 against North Korea (10:00 GMT) before facing the USA (12:00 GMT) on Sept. 25 at the 6,500 capacity Dalga Arena in Baku.
The Gambia will finish group play on Sept. 29 against France (12:00 GMT) at the same Dalga Arena. Eighth Kilometer District Stadium features a grass field but Dalga Arena has an artificial turf surface.
Gambia will open its account against North Korea, the country that won the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2008, defeating the USA 2-1 in extratime. The North Koreans also advanced to the semifinal of the 2010 tournament, where they fell to Japan and then lost again in the third-place match to Spain.
The meeting against the USA will not be an easy one as they were favored to win the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship held in Costa Rica, winning their group and scoring 32 goals. However, they suffered a stunning loss to Canada in the semifinals, on a penalty shootout.
This loss prevented the United States from qualifying to the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the first time in history that a United States women’s national soccer team has not advanced out of their region to a Women’s World Cup.
The final group game against an always talented French side will be a tough one. Of the 42 teams that began the qualifying rounds in Europe, France made it to the semifinals along with Switzerland, Denmark and Germany. In the semifinals, France defeated Switzerland 5-1 and Germany beat Denmark 2-0. In the championship game, the two European powers tied 1-1 before the Germans eventually prevailed in penalty kicks.
With a clutch of skilful attacking players and an aggressive mentality, Gambia could cause problems for any rivals that underestimate them. Given the emerging nature of women’s football in the country of under two million, the debutants will also be helping to increase the profile of the sport.
The Gambia has been drawn in Group B in the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in Azerbaijan from 22 September to 13 October.
The draw took place today at the International Mugam Centre in Baku and it ended a nervous wait for the 16 qualified nations as they discovered the identity of their rivals in the group phase.
The Girl Scorpions were drawn in Group B alongside France, USA and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Gambia was represented in the draw by Head Coach Buba K Jallow and Mariama Sowe.
The draw was presided over by Tatjana Haenni; FIFA’s Head of Women’s Competitions and carried out by Dutch star Ronald de Boer, big name of the Dutch football, Azerbaijan coach Berti Vogts as well as two stars from the Azerbaijan U-17 women’s team: Amina Heydarova and Aysun Aliyeva.
Gambia have never qualified a women’s team for a major championship before, and they had never even entered a team in the U-17 preliminaries before. So the success of Coach Buba Jallow’s team earlier this year was a pleasant surprise for the country.
The country did not have a FIFA-recognized youth national team until 2012, when the Gambia under-17 women’s team competed in Confederation of African Football qualifiers for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Gambia had fielded an under-17 team of 24 players, narrowed from an initial pool of 49 young women. The Girls Scorpions first played Sierra Leone in a pair of qualifying matches for the tournament in which they won 3-0 at home.
The return match was delayed in for 24 hours and played in Makeni and they beat Sierra Leone 4-3 to qualify for the final round. They then beat Tunisia 1-0 at home and won 2-1 in Tunisia with Adama Tamba and Awa Demba scoring the goals while Tunisia’s only goal was an own goal.
Although they will no doubt be considered outsiders at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the Gambian team will be buoyed by the win over Tunisia, particularly after they came from a goal behind in the away leg.
The Gambia plays its first Group B match at the 15,000 capacity Eighth Kilometer District Stadium in Nizami raion, Baku, opening its tournament on Sept. 22 against North Korea (10:00 GMT) before facing the USA (12:00 GMT) on Sept. 25 at the 6,500 capacity Dalga Arena in Baku.
The Gambia will finish group play on Sept. 29 against France (12:00 GMT) at the same Dalga Arena. Eighth Kilometer District Stadium features a grass field but Dalga Arena has an artificial turf surface.
Gambia will open its account against North Korea, the country that won the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2008, defeating the USA 2-1 in extratime. The North Koreans also advanced to the semifinal of the 2010 tournament, where they fell to Japan and then lost again in the third-place match to Spain.
The meeting against the USA will not be an easy one as they were favored to win the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship held in Costa Rica, winning their group and scoring 32 goals. However, they suffered a stunning loss to Canada in the semifinals, on a penalty shootout.
This loss prevented the United States from qualifying to the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the first time in history that a United States women’s national soccer team has not advanced out of their region to a Women’s World Cup.
The final group game against an always talented French side will be a tough one. Of the 42 teams that began the qualifying rounds in Europe, France made it to the semifinals along with Switzerland, Denmark and Germany. In the semifinals, France defeated Switzerland 5-1 and Germany beat Denmark 2-0. In the championship game, the two European powers tied 1-1 before the Germans eventually prevailed in penalty kicks.
With a clutch of skilful attacking players and an aggressive mentality, Gambia could cause problems for any rivals that underestimate them. Given the emerging nature of women’s football in the country of under two million, the debutants will also be helping to increase the profile of the sport.
Baresi’s Battery stroll past Barracuda
July 4th 2012
The Charleston Battery of Amadou “Baresi” Sanyang defeated Antigua Barracuda FC by a score of two goals to none at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium.
Jose Cuevas scored the Battery’s first in the 75th minute and JC Mack added a second goal in stoppage time as Charleston earned its tenth win of the season. The Battery started brightly and almost scored in the third minute after midfielder Navion Boyd picked out Tony Donatelli with a curving cross from the near side.
Donatelli met the cross but his headed attempt flew over the bar. Charleston dominated possession throughout the first half but could not find a break-through. Cuevas was denied in the 30th minute by a superb reaction save from goalkeeper Molvin James who swatted away his blast from close-range.
After the break Antigua came back into the contest and began to have some success with a more direct approach. Charleston were forced to defend with numbers but were still able to create chances on the counter-attack with Baresi coming close to give his team the lead but was denied by James.
The deadlock was finally broken after a quick pass out of the back found forward Sallieu Bundu at the halfway line. Bundu held off his defender and slipped a superb pass behind the Antigua right-back. Cuevas ran onto the through-ball and cut back inside two defenders before drilling the ball inside the near post.
As Antigua pressed forward looking for an equalizer space began to open up for Charleston’s midfield and the Battery took advantage. With time running out Dino Williams flicked the ball forward to substitute forward JC Mack who fired the ball into the goal from just inside the box.
The Charleston Battery of Amadou “Baresi” Sanyang defeated Antigua Barracuda FC by a score of two goals to none at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium.
Jose Cuevas scored the Battery’s first in the 75th minute and JC Mack added a second goal in stoppage time as Charleston earned its tenth win of the season. The Battery started brightly and almost scored in the third minute after midfielder Navion Boyd picked out Tony Donatelli with a curving cross from the near side.
Donatelli met the cross but his headed attempt flew over the bar. Charleston dominated possession throughout the first half but could not find a break-through. Cuevas was denied in the 30th minute by a superb reaction save from goalkeeper Molvin James who swatted away his blast from close-range.
After the break Antigua came back into the contest and began to have some success with a more direct approach. Charleston were forced to defend with numbers but were still able to create chances on the counter-attack with Baresi coming close to give his team the lead but was denied by James.
The deadlock was finally broken after a quick pass out of the back found forward Sallieu Bundu at the halfway line. Bundu held off his defender and slipped a superb pass behind the Antigua right-back. Cuevas ran onto the through-ball and cut back inside two defenders before drilling the ball inside the near post.
As Antigua pressed forward looking for an equalizer space began to open up for Charleston’s midfield and the Battery took advantage. With time running out Dino Williams flicked the ball forward to substitute forward JC Mack who fired the ball into the goal from just inside the box.
EJ’s Blues fall to Hammerheads
EJ's Blues fall
July 4th 2012
The Wilmington Hammerheads came out of the gates flying against Ebrima “EJ” Jatta’s Los Angeles Blues, scoring twice in the opening six minutes of the two sides’ battle for a spot in the top four of the league standings.
In a highly entertaining match at Legion Stadium, Corey Hertzog’s brace helped Wilmington top Head Coach Charlie Naimo’s men 4-2, with plenty of emotional intensity being left on the field.
The Hammerheads’ Bryce Taylor proved it was where he deserved to be, as he played a part in both early tallies as well as in the final goal of the match. With just two minutes on the clock, Taylor came streaking down the right on a three-on-two breakaway and took advantage of the space inside the box by picking up his head and nicely placing the ball inside the far post.
Three minutes later, Taylor sent a through ball to the center of the box, where Hertzog converted to double the lead for the hosts and really up the pressure on the Blues offense to produce. The visitors from Southern California did respond in the 25th minute, Matt Fondy setting up his strike partner Bright Dike and the on-loan Portland Timber finding the net for his sixth goal in eight USL PRO appearances this season.
However, Wilmington would re-establish the old advantage just after the half-hour mark, Andriy Budnyy adding his name to the score sheet to make it 3-1. The Blues subsequently dodged a huge bullet, as Hertzog came within inches of extending the lead to three, his athletic header bouncing off the left post.
The visitors came out of the locker room fired up and brought a lot of intensity to begin the second period. Their efforts were rewarded when Bryan Burke cut the deficit in half by sending the ball soaring past Hammerheads goalkeeper Alexander Horwath at the hour mark. EJ was later substituted after the resumption of the half. At that point, tension began to escalate between the teams, with a fight nearly breaking out on the field and the Blues’ Maykel Galindo walking off with a red card.
With emotions high, the duo of Taylor and Hertzog secured the win for the Hammerheads, as they combined in the 73rd minute to make it 4-2, Taylor hitting a nice cross toward the far post and Hertzog converting with a diving header.
The Wilmington Hammerheads came out of the gates flying against Ebrima “EJ” Jatta’s Los Angeles Blues, scoring twice in the opening six minutes of the two sides’ battle for a spot in the top four of the league standings.
In a highly entertaining match at Legion Stadium, Corey Hertzog’s brace helped Wilmington top Head Coach Charlie Naimo’s men 4-2, with plenty of emotional intensity being left on the field.
The Hammerheads’ Bryce Taylor proved it was where he deserved to be, as he played a part in both early tallies as well as in the final goal of the match. With just two minutes on the clock, Taylor came streaking down the right on a three-on-two breakaway and took advantage of the space inside the box by picking up his head and nicely placing the ball inside the far post.
Three minutes later, Taylor sent a through ball to the center of the box, where Hertzog converted to double the lead for the hosts and really up the pressure on the Blues offense to produce. The visitors from Southern California did respond in the 25th minute, Matt Fondy setting up his strike partner Bright Dike and the on-loan Portland Timber finding the net for his sixth goal in eight USL PRO appearances this season.
However, Wilmington would re-establish the old advantage just after the half-hour mark, Andriy Budnyy adding his name to the score sheet to make it 3-1. The Blues subsequently dodged a huge bullet, as Hertzog came within inches of extending the lead to three, his athletic header bouncing off the left post.
The visitors came out of the locker room fired up and brought a lot of intensity to begin the second period. Their efforts were rewarded when Bryan Burke cut the deficit in half by sending the ball soaring past Hammerheads goalkeeper Alexander Horwath at the hour mark. EJ was later substituted after the resumption of the half. At that point, tension began to escalate between the teams, with a fight nearly breaking out on the field and the Blues’ Maykel Galindo walking off with a red card.
With emotions high, the duo of Taylor and Hertzog secured the win for the Hammerheads, as they combined in the 73rd minute to make it 4-2, Taylor hitting a nice cross toward the far post and Hertzog converting with a diving header.
Gambia-hopeful Jawo looks forward to a successful season under new coach
Jawo wants success under new head coach
November 29th 2011
Gambia-hopeful Amadou Jawo is now forward-looking to a successful season and career after having a tormentful two years in Elfsborg under former coach Magnus Haglund.
The 27-year-old Gambian striker experience a tormentful season last year having only a handful of first team football.
He was reportedly tipped for a move to league winners Helsingborg but nothing concrete came out of the rumors while gossip columns have it that Djurgården IF, his former club Gefle IF, Syrianska and GAIS are all preparing a bid to secure his services.
But it now appears that the attacker is set to stay and see whether the new boss has him in his plans for the coming season.
In an interview with the Boras Newspaper, Jawo said, “I want to meet him [the new coach] in the day or the day after he comes in. Stefan Andreasson [the Elfsborg sporting director] has said he wants me to move away, but now I will wait for the new coach to come and see if I’m in his plans.”
Jawo said next season will be a crucial moment in his career and he wants the incoming coach to guarantee him a fixed position and a lot of playing time because he said, no matter what he wants to play football.
“If the situation [lack of playing time] stays the same, then I will be moving. I want a fixed position that’s why I am training very hard right now and when the season starts, I will want to be playing continuously because I made a promise to myself that in 2012 I should play football, no matter where I will be,” said the confident Jawo.
He also disclosed that if things are not going as planned, then him and his agent have their plan already and it will work out for them. He’s quoted as saying, “I and my agent have a plan, and it can work out quite quickly if I want to leave because there are other options, but we will have to wait and see.”
Gambia-hopeful Amadou Jawo is now forward-looking to a successful season and career after having a tormentful two years in Elfsborg under former coach Magnus Haglund.
The 27-year-old Gambian striker experience a tormentful season last year having only a handful of first team football.
He was reportedly tipped for a move to league winners Helsingborg but nothing concrete came out of the rumors while gossip columns have it that Djurgården IF, his former club Gefle IF, Syrianska and GAIS are all preparing a bid to secure his services.
But it now appears that the attacker is set to stay and see whether the new boss has him in his plans for the coming season.
In an interview with the Boras Newspaper, Jawo said, “I want to meet him [the new coach] in the day or the day after he comes in. Stefan Andreasson [the Elfsborg sporting director] has said he wants me to move away, but now I will wait for the new coach to come and see if I’m in his plans.”
Jawo said next season will be a crucial moment in his career and he wants the incoming coach to guarantee him a fixed position and a lot of playing time because he said, no matter what he wants to play football.
“If the situation [lack of playing time] stays the same, then I will be moving. I want a fixed position that’s why I am training very hard right now and when the season starts, I will want to be playing continuously because I made a promise to myself that in 2012 I should play football, no matter where I will be,” said the confident Jawo.
He also disclosed that if things are not going as planned, then him and his agent have their plan already and it will work out for them. He’s quoted as saying, “I and my agent have a plan, and it can work out quite quickly if I want to leave because there are other options, but we will have to wait and see.”
Gambia International Players Round-up
Zico was on the winning side for MŠK Žilina
November 29th 2011 Gambian starlet Paul Jatta’s Brøndby IF and their back line did their part to keep AC Horsens off the scoreboard, however a dubious non-call on a clear offside infraction doomed them to a home loss on Monday night.
After their encouraging 2-1 victory over league leaders FC Copenhagen in the last round of games, Brøndby looked hardly the same team throughout Monday’s contest, creating scant few chances over the course of the 90 minutes.
The only score of the game came four minutes before the halftime break, under circumstances that will certainly have head coach Aurelijus Skarbalius fuming upon viewing replays. Henrik Toft received the ball at the top edge of the area and tapped it forward to Martin Spelmann as he charged forward.
The former Brøndby player continued his run towards goal and curled his shot from the left edge of the six-yard box just inside the far post for the score. Replays later showed that Toft was clearly in an offside position at the point where he was targeted with the pass, however the referee and linesman missed the call, ultimately allowing play to go forward leading to the goal.
Skarbalius brought on striker Martin Bernburg at the halftime break in place of winger Jens Stryger Larsen in hopes of reviving the Brøndby attack and picking out an equalizer. Five minutes after the break, they were close to pulling even when Dennis Rommedahl tore down the right side and tried a shot to the far post that was just off-target.
Horsens played an increasingly tight defense through the second half and ultimately kept their hosts from creating more than minor, momentary threats through the end, ultimately taking the three points.
Paul Jatta’s Brøndby still remain in tenth place with a five-point gap above the drop zone. They will expect to head into the break taking all three points from their last game of 2011 when they visit neighboring last-place team Køge on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in the Beligian top flight, striker Ibou Sawaneh’s was on show for RAEC Mons as they lost 2-1 away to Momodou “Zico” Ceesays former team K.V.C Westerlo. Goals from William Acheampong and Liliu helped Westerlo come from behind to beat Sawaneh’s Mons 2-1 at home.
Sawaneh came close to levelling matters for his team but he lost footing putting the ball wide. The defeat leaves them to eight in the league with 20 points and up next for them is a another trip away to Sint-Truiden VV.
Finally in the Slovakian top flight, striker Momodou “Zico” Ceesay’s MŠK Žilina are on course to winning another Slovakian championship as they ran out 3-1 winners against FK Dukla Banská Bystrica. Zico has lost his scoring boots in four games with his last goal coming against FC Tatran Prešov in the Slovakian cup where they lost 2-1.
Zico’s Žilina are the current leaders in the league with 33 points and up next for them is an away game to FC Zlaté Moravce.
Mustapha Carayol has been a big help to me, says Bristol Rovers defender Lee Brown
Defender Lee Brown congratulating Carayol
November 18th 2011 Bristol Rovers defender Lee Brown is happy to see wingers back in the side and is backing his team-mate of Gambian origin Mustapha “Muzzy” Carayol to continue to deliver the goods.
Left winger Carayol has impressed since being recalled to the starting line-up in the last three games, and scored his first goal for the club – an impressive individual effort – in last weekend's FA Cup victory over Corby Town.
Boss Paul Buckle has praised the partnership left-back Brown has been forging with the former Lincoln City player, and the defender believes Carayol has helped to give him better protection since Rovers abandoned their three-man central midfield and returned to 4-4-2.
“I had no wingers in front of me when we were playing with three in midfield, so having anybody there is a help because I was getting outnumbered before,” said Brown. “People have questioned Muzzy’s defensive side and say it isn’t a major part of his game, but I think he’s been brilliant at both aspects – defending and attacking. I’m just happy to have someone there in front of me because it’s easier than it was before.”
Brown, one of only two ever-presents in the Pirates side this term, has been a model of consistency since he joined from QPR over the summer and has also chipped in with three goals. “I think things have gone quite well for me personally, maybe less so for the team – although I’m hoping that’s going to change soon,” said Brown.
“I’ve tried to base my game on being consistent and I think I’ve done that so far. But I can’t be complacent because there is still so much of the season left. We are only a third of the way through and it’s what happens at the end of it that counts. That’s when you want to judge yourself. Defending is my first priority, but if I can get goals as well then that’s a bonus. I’ve been delighted with the three I’ve got so far and, hopefully, there’s more to come,” added the 21-year-old defender.
Rovers will be looking to nail down long-awaited back-to-back wins when they take on Barnet at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday. “Any win boosts confidence and, although we were expected to beat Corby, morale will still be high and, hopefully, we can take that into Saturday,” he concluded.
Sainey and Mansally’s Revs hires Jay Heaps as coach
Heaps takes over at Revolution
November 18th 2011 Three weeks after the New England Revolution of Gambia internationals Sainey Nyassi and Abdoulie Kenny Mansally and longtime coach Steve Nicol parted ways, the team hired a familiar face in Jay Heaps as his replacement.
The former Revolution defender Jay Heaps, who retired two years ago as the club’s all-time leader with 243 games (2001 to 2009), was named as Nicol’s successor on Tuesday. Nicol left on October 24 after 10 years as coach in what the team described as a mutual decision.
“I am thrilled to accept this position,” Heaps said in a news release. “Throughout my playing career and with my involvement with the team after I retired, I’ve made no secret about my commitment to the Revolution, and I’m honored to be entrusted with this responsibility as head coach.”
Heaps’ reputation as a tireless worker during his playing career was mentioned as a factor in his hire, according to Revolution owner/investor Jonathan Kraft. He was the MLS rookie of the year in 1999 with the Miami Fusion. With the Revolution, he was one of three players to start in all four of the team’s MLS Cup appearances.
The Revolution lost all of those league title games in 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007. “During his Revs career, no one was more determined to win or revered for his work ethic and leadership, both on and off the field,” Kraft said in a news release. “We are excited that Jay will bring these characteristics, along with a keen intellect, to his new position as our head coach. He understands the team’s heritage and already has a connection with many of our players and fans.”
Building the roster will be Heaps’ first order of business. With the November 23 expansion draft and the December 5 and 12 re-entry draft on tap, he will have no choice but to hit the ground running.
However, one distinct advantage Heaps has is that he’s kept his eye on the squad. Shortly after he retired in 2009, he was hired as the color commentator for the Revolution’s television broadcasts and provided in-game analysis for two years.
Although he understands that it won’t be easy to rebuild a squad that finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and missed the playoffs the past two years, Heaps believes the foundation is in place -- and it’ll be up to him to start building the framework.
“We have a strong base to build on,” Heaps said. “But we also have a lot of work to do as we look ahead to 2012.”
Ous Jallow’s brace not enough as Rizespor defeated
Ous Jallow scored both of Rizespor's goal
September 29th 2011 Gambian international striker Ousman Jallow has scored his first goals for Turkish Bank Asya 1. Liga [second tier] side Çaykur Rizespor despite a defeat against Göztepe AS at the Yeni Rize Şehir Stadı in Rize, Turkey.
Ousman Jallow scored a brace in 42nd and 55th minute respectively, but his new Turkish club let their chance of collected a point slip off as Göztepe stole the show.
The Gambia international got on the score sheet two minutes before break to pull a goal back after Göztepe had gone two nil up with goals from Emre Öztürk and Bradley Grobler. With ten minutes gone into the second half, the former Wallidan and Brondby goal poacher made his side to draw level with a brilliant individual effort just after two minutes after he was denied by the Göztepe keeper Ulac Caglayan.
However, his effort wasn’t just enough to get them a second victory in a row as Caykur lagged behind again with Hasan Hakan Hacibektasoglu for Göztepe slotting home the match-winner four minutes after Ous Jallow’s brace.
The 22-year-old Gambian international, who endured a scary pre-season after club doctors discovered he was carrying an active Hepatitis B, and, was hospitalized at the Istanbul hospital for treatment, but soon recovered has played three-consecutive games for Rizespor since the start of the league and he has seen 270 minutes of play for the Turkish club. He also played in the team’s two-nil win over Adanaspor.
The defeat sees Ous Jallow’s side knocked off the top spot and are now 7th in the league accumulating 4 points out of 3 games with Ous leading the goal-chart for his team.
Sanna’s Rapids revives CONCACAF hopes after victory
Sanna's Rapids keeps CONCACAF hopes alive
September 29th 2011 Sanna Nyassi’s Colorado Rapids revived its CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals hopes with a 3-1 victory over Metapán on Wednesday, getting goals from lightly used regulars Eddie Ababio, Quincy Amarikwa and Omar Cummings to climb into second place in Group B.
Using a lineup with three players who have not played a minute in Major League Soccer this season, and under the direction of assistant Steve Guppy who filled in for absent manager Gary Smith, Colorado improved to seven points, three behind Santos, one ahead of Metapán and two better than Real España.
The Rapids still must travel to face Santos on October 19 in its group finale, while Metapán will be home against España a day later.
The loss was a third straight for Metapán overall, but it ended a two-game goalless streak, including last week's 6-0 loss to Santos.
The match featured six yellow cards and an indirect free kick inside the Colorado penalty area that resulted in Metapán’s only goal.
Both sides had early chances but Colorado went ahead in the 31st minute when Ababio, one of the three yet to play in MLS this year, settled a ball off his chest and chipped Metapán keeper Miguel Montes from the right side, putting the ball in the far side netting.
The goal ended a streak of 226 minutes Metapán had not allowed a goal at home in the Champions League since the Seattle Sounders scored in last year's tournament.
The Salvadorans equalized five minutes later when Honduran referee Raul Castro apparently ruled Rapids keeper Steward Ceus did not return to the ball to play quickly enough, giving him a yellow card and awarding Metapán an indirect free just inside the 18.
Metapán engineered a set piece that Alfredo Pacheco finished with a low drive inside the right post.
The Salvadoran hosts continued to push forward and Allan Kardeck Dos Santos struck the crossbar with a right-footed volley.
But Colorado went ahead a second time in the 49th when Amarikwa latched on to an attempted defensive headed clearance attempt and struck the ball out of the air on the edge of the penalty arc, driving it past Montes , who let the ball slip under him at his right post.
Knowing a win would send them to the quarterfinals; Metapán increased its push forward but was caught on a counter in the 77th when Michael Holody, another of the players yet to step on the field in MLS this season, launched a long ball out of the back. It floated over the Metapán defense where Cummings chased it down unchallenged and easily beat Montes from 10 meters.
Sanna Nyassi was not on show for the Rapids victory but was quick to take on the social networking site giving his reaction on the game.
“Victory is sweetest when you’ve known defeat” he said and concluded by saying, “way to go boys.”
For his part, the assistant coach Steve Guppy, who took charge of the team yesterday as head coach Gary Smith stayed behind in Colorado, was ecstatic about the result, even as he declared tongue-in-cheek it would be his first and last time coaching given the stress such games can cause.
“This is a historic result,” Guppy said after the game. “What the players have done is truly remarkable. It feels so special to be involved in it and I am so proud of the players,” he concluded.
The win ended an eight-match winless streak for Sanna’s Rapids, winning for the first time since beating Metapán in Colorado on August 17 and are now second in the group with 7 points, 3 behind group leaders Santos Laguna.
Kenny and Sainey’s Revs registered first home win
September 11th 2011 Abdoulie Kenny Mansally and Sainey Nyassi’s New England Revolution (5-11-12, 27 pts.) have registered their first win since July 20 and first home victory since May 14 with a two-nil home win against FC Dallas in the Gillette Stadium.
There was one change to the Revolution lineup which played to a 4-4 draw with the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night at PPL Park as Franco Coria replaced Ryan Cochrane in central defense.
For the 10th time in their last 12 games, the Revs scored the opening goal when Joseph finished off a flowing move in the 14th minute. Joseph started the sequence by forcing a turnover in midfield and sending Milton Caraglio into the right corner, where the Argentine dropped a short pass back into path of Monsef Zerka. With his first touch, Zerka whipped a cross into the box for Joseph to guide home a header inside the right post.
FC Dallas almost produced an immediate equalizer when Zach Loyd’s right-wing cross found Maicon Santos free six yards from goal in the 16th minute, but Santos directed his header straight at Reis. In the 36th minute, Jackson forced Reis into another save with an acrobatic bicycle kick in the right side of the box.
Caraglio almost doubled the Revolution’s advantage in first-half stoppage time when he picked off an errant back-pass from Jair Benitez and rounded FCD goalkeeper Kevin Hartman. However, Hartman did enough to force Caraglio wide and the 22-year-old drilled his shot into the outside of the net from a tight angle.
Hartman came up big again shortly after the halftime break, this time in a more conventional manner. Lekic pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a rocket from 25 yards out in the 51st minute, but Hartman made a stunning stop, diving to his right to palm the effort away with one hand.
FCD’s goalkeeper went the other way to deny Darrius Barnes in the 74th minute as Hartman leapt full stretch to his left to push away the defender’s 30-yard drive.
Abdoulie Kenny Mansally was subbed in for Milton Caraglio in the 73rd minute. Six minutes later, Reis matched his counterpart, tipping Santos’ curling effort over the crossbar when it appeared to be headed toward the upper corner.
With FCD pushing for an equalizer, the Revs capitalized from a set piece to salt the game away in the 84th minute. Cochrane who replaced Coria in the 72nd minute arrived at the near post to flick Benny Feilhaber’s corner kick to the back post, where Lekic was on hand to bury a first-time shot and provide the final 2-0 score line.
Kenny's compatriot, Sainey Nyassi is expected to make his comeback in coming weeks as he's recuperating from an injury.
The Revs will be on the road for their next two matches, beginning with their first-ever visit to JELD-WEN Field to battle Mamadou “Futty” Danso’s expansion Portland Timbers on Friday.
Beatrice Allen Appointed Coordinator in Rio 2016
Beatrice Allen represents Gambia in Rio 2016 committee
September 4th 2011 The Gambia National Olympic Committee’s 1st Vice President, Mrs Beatrice Allen’s strong commitment and dedications in Olympic movement all over in the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where she is overseeing all Olympic activities has led to her appointment as a coordinator in the 2016 Olympics to be held in Brazil, Rio De Janeiro.
It was not a surprise for her to be part of such an organizing committee. Olympic Champion Nawal El Moutawakel appointed to Chair the 17-member Commission Rio de Janeiro: The International Olympic Committee (IOC, announced the Chairperson, Executive Director and full list of members of the Coordination Commission for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The group will assist the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee in the lead up to the Games as well as monitor progress and preparations. Olympic Champion and IOC Member since 1998, Nawal El Moutawakel (Morocco), is already well known to Brazilians since she led the IOC Evaluation Commission responsible for assessing the plans of all four 2016 Candidate Cities prior to the election of Rio de Janeiro as Host City on 2 October 2009.
Five continents are represented in the 17 member Coordination Commission, all of whom have previously held positions on Evaluation or Coordination Commissions or Organizing Committees for the Games.
The group represents several stakeholder groups within the Olympic Movement including the athletes, National Olympic Committees and International Federations, the combination of which will facilitate the coordination required for the full success of the event.
The Commissions appointed Executive Director is Gilbert Felli, Swiss IOC member and Olympic Games Executive Director.
The other members are: Alex Gilady (ISR), Alexander Popov (RUS), Beatrice Allen (GAM), Ching-Kuo Wu (TPE), Francesco Ricci Bitti (ITA), Greg Hartung (AUS), Gunilla Lindberg (SUE), John D.
Coates (AUS), Julio César Maglione (URU), Nat Indrapana (TAI), Nicole Hoevertsz (ARU), Patrick Joseph Hickey (IRL), Richard L. Carrión (PUR), Sergey Bubka (UKR), Timothy Tsun Ting Fok (HKG) and Willi Kaltschmitt Luján (GUA).
According to Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President of the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, an excellent partnership will be established between Rio 2016 and the Coordination Commission.
He said: I am very pleased with the appointment of Nawal El Moutawakel given her outstanding professionalism and experience as the IOC's Evaluation Commission Chairperson for the 2016 race. Within that role she successfully coordinated a thorough and precise evaluation of our ability to deliver the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016.
The IOC has appointed a Commission of tremendously high quality individuals whose collective expertise and familiarity with the Olympic Movement will be a real strength for our work together moving forward. The Rio 2016 Organizing Committee is ready to begin work together.
Nawal El Moutawakel was the first African to become an Olympic champion by winning the 400m women hurdles at the Los Angeles 1984 Games.
She is also the first woman ever appointed to chair an IOC Coordination Commission. It is an honor. I am fully convinced that our team will assist Rio in delivering unforgettable Games in 2016.
I have chaired the Evaluation Commission and I am familiar with the strengths Rio and Brazil may offer. Together, we will prove this to the whole world, said El Moutawakel,who was in Rio from April 27 to May 2, 2009, during the Evaluation Commissions visit.
RIO 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES COORDINATION COMMISSION
Chairperson
Nawal El Moutawakel (MAR)
Executive Director
Gilbert Felli (SUI)
Members
Alex Gilady (ISR)
Alexander Popov (RUS)
Beatrice Allen (GAM)
Ching-Kuo Wu (TPE)
Francesco Ricci Bitti (ITA)
Greg Hartung (AUS)
Gunilla Lindberg (SUE)
John D. Coates (AUS)
Julio César Maglione (URU)
Nat Indrapana (TAI)
Nicole Hoevertsz (ARU)
Patrick Joseph Hickey (IRL)
Richard L. Carrión (PUR)
Sergey Bubka (UKR)
Timothy Tsun Ting Fok (HKG)
Willi Kaltschmitt Luján (GUA)
Namibian local coaches confident their team can win
Congo Hindjou
September 2nd 2011 Nambia’s national football team, the Brave Warriors, will have to be cautious when they face the Scorpions of The Gambia at the Windhoek Independence Stadium in a 2012 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier tomorrow.
Although not much is known about the Gambian players by Brian Isaacs, the Namibian interim coach, it is worth noting that a number of them ply their trade in Europe. That would indicate that ‘The Scorpions’ are no pushovers.
The Scorpions should prove too strong for the Brave Warriors - who have been very poor in this campaign - and come away from Windhoek with a big win.
Long time serving goalkeeper and captain Pa Dembo Touray has seemingly succeeded where one of South Africa’s most talented defenders, Old-John Mabizela, failed.
Pa Dembo is fast making a name for himself at Swedish Allsvenskan side Djurgården IF, something Mabizela couldn’t. Pa Dembo’s deputy, Mustapha “Toubabo” Jarju, who’s the first Designated Player for the Canada based outfit, Vancouver Whitecaps in the Major League Soccer (MLS) is tipped to be the captain for the game, sources close to the team confirmed.
The MLS has grown in recent years and has seen global stars like Frenchman Thierry Henry and David Beckham playing in the league. It can thus be expected that Jarju has learned from those quality opponents. The Gambia can also boost of the Nyassi twins, Sanna and Sainey though only the latter is available for this game, Abdoulie Kenny Mansally and Mamadou Futty Danso who will also be missed.
However, The Scorpions may just be unsettled a little bit considering that one of its players, Tijan Jaiteh’s contract was recently terminated by Danish second tier club Randers FC amidst reports that he turned up for The Gambia’s game against DR Congo without their consent and failing to return back to the club, though it has been confirmed that he’s in Namibia right now and reportedly been in Italy for a trial.
That however seems to be a small blot on the player’s career as the midfielder scored a stunning 25-yard goal for Gambia in a friendly against the Leopards of DR Congo on August 10th. Added to that is the widely known fact that West African teams tend to be big and strong, with an emphasis on physical play and it becomes clear that Namibia faces a daunting task against our Scorpions.
Two local coaches that Gambia Sports Online was opportune to speak to on the social networking site FaceBook are however convinced Namibia holds the key to overcoming Gambia. “I’m very positive that we can beat you guys [Gambia] because the core of the side did well on their recent tour to Ghana,” said Eleven Arrows mentor Congo Hindjou.
Tigers’ new coach Woody Jacobs agrees and believes Namibia has one quality that can see them to victory. “Our speed will be the key since you West Africans, although big, are slow… meaning if the boys can launch quick attacks they will break down Gambia’s defense,” he said. Hindjou added that Namibia’s movement should be superior while their passing should be on top form in order to outsmart the Gambians and the Brave Warriors have the potential to play the ball on the ground as was shown in the B team’s game against South Africa’s Under-23 side recently.
The B team not only harassed the South Africans, but they also managed to keep possession of the ball quite well. These are signs that the Warriors may just be on the verge of turning a corner and producing football that can see them rising in African football yet again.
The South Africans would want to bow out on a high, but three losses in three games tell their story so far. Gambia has more quality and pedigree at this level of competition and should shave off three points from the Stallions' lead to set up a grand finale in Banjul against the Burkinabes next month on 7th October at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
Although Namibia’s chances of qualifying for the 2012 AFCON hinges on a board room decision, the technical team should also not lose sight of the great opportunity this game poses for Namibian football. “This is the time for the technical team (under Brian Isaacs’ guidance) to groom these players so that they can be formidable when playing against Djibouti later this year,” Jacobs said. He was referring to the 2014 World Cup two-legged preliminary match that Namibia will be playing against the East Africans in November.
Before that though, there is still the small matter of playing against Gambia on Saturday. Hindjou believes an early goal will help the young stars settle their nerves, while Jacobs feels it is imperative that the team starts pressing high up the field so that they can force Paul Put and his charges into making mistakes.
The game kicks off at 15:00 Namibian time and 13:00 Gambian time.
Sainey helped Sanna to get a contract in MLS
Sainey's generosity brings Sanna to MLS
August 24th 2011 Gambian twin brothers Sainey and Sanna Nyassi may be Major League Soccer’s 15th pair of brothers, but this season they made league history, becoming the first set of twins to face off in an MLS match.
Surprisingly, this feat was reached after three years of being in the league together. In those three years, their teams competed regularly, but the brothers never seemed to meet eye-to-eye on the field.
Back in The Gambia, the twins had been teammates on club side Gambia Ports Authority and their nation’s youth and senior national teams. The two had brief stints in Norway shortly thereafter, again remaining geographically close to each other. It wasn’t until the summer of 2007, during the U-20 World Cup in Canada, that the strength of the bond between the Nyassi’s was tested.
“We were with the youth national team for the World Cup in Montreal, and (Revolution Head Coach) Stevie (Nicol) saw me and Kenny (Mansally) against Portugal,” said Sainey Nyassi.
“After that (match) I got a call from my agent and that’s how it started.”
Nicol was impressed by the two youth internationals and presented both Sainey and fellow Revolution teammate Abdoulie Kenny Mansally the opportunity to trial with the MLS side after fulfilling national team duties at the tournament.
“We came over [to New England] for a tryout for one week and then they extended it,” [Sainey] Nyassi said.
The two Gambian internationals signed with the Revolution late in the 2007 season and for the first time, Sainey embarked on a new challenge without his twin brother [Sanna] by his side. Thousands of miles from Foxborough, Sanna found himself in Norway training with a second division team.
It didn’t take long for Sainey to act on this separation, however.
Already familiar with the league, Sainey gave his brother a crash-course regarding the skill level, expectations and travel, among other aspects of the game in America, which ultimately convinced Sanna to take the initiative and join MLS.
“I told him what the deal was,” explained Sainey. “I told him (the league’s) coming up and a better league than other countries out there. It’s a better place to start, and it would be great for him to come join me. He was happy with it.”
Sainey did more than just tell his brother what to do; he also took it upon himself to help the process along. He used the same resource that had helped him get his start in MLS.
“I told my agent that I wanted him to come over and join me because Norway is far (from New England),” said Sainey.
That sole request would serve as the catalyst for Sanna’s move to the States. Sainey, who played an integral part in Sanna’s journey to MLS, decided that his brother should first switch agents.
“I told Sanna not to extend his contract (with his previous agent) because I wanted us to share the same agent,” he said. “That’s how it started and we are still sharing the same agent.”
The agent who had already helped Sainey sign with New England networked within MLS and contacted San Jose on behalf of Sanna for a tryout.
When things didn’t materialize with the first club [San Jose Earthquakes] in 2008, Sanna traveled up the West Coast to Seattle, where the USL team, Seattle Sounders FC, was amidst its promotion to MLS for the 2009 season. Sanna signed with the team, thus securing a longer stay in the States with his brother.
After spending two seasons with the newly promoted Sounders, Sanna was selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2010 Expansion Draft, but was immediately traded to the Colorado Rapids, inching him that much closer to his brother’s home in New England.
Even though they still reside in different time zones, the Nyassi’s are pleased to be in the same league with the opportunity to closely follow each other’s progress.
“I always watch his games and likewise, he always watches my games,” Sainey.
Given the distance, it would be natural for a pair of twins who were used to spending almost every moment together for most of their lives to struggle without each other. Thanks to Mr. Edison [the agent], the two are doing well because they have now become accustomed to talking to each other over the phone, sometimes multiple times a day.
“We talk all of the time,” declared Sainey. “We spend a lot of time on the phone since he’s far (from New England).
“We talk about our (teams’) positions in the league, how other teams are doing, our performances, what we need to work on; things like that,” he continued.
It is no surprise that the Nyassi brothers possess the competitive nature that is common among siblings, since their teams meet twice a year, and results mean a great deal when making a playoff push, as well as for bragging rights.
“If whatever we are doing is about competition, me and him, we are always fighting to win,” said Sainey. “But whatever team he’s on, I always support that team. I want that team to be winning, unless we are playing against them.”
That one-on-one duel took years to arrive. Since Sanna joined the league, the Nyassi brothers could only wait patiently for the moment in which they would share the field in an MLS contest.
“I waited for that (moment) for a long time,” Sainey is quoted as saying. “[Sanna’s] first year, in 2009, it didn’t happen. The following year, it didn’t happen. I was like, ‘Let me just hang in there. It might happen one day.’”
They narrowly missed out on a chance two years ago when Sainey, who started the match against Seattle on August 20, 2009, was replaced by a substitute in the 67th minute, just two minutes before Sanna entered the game.
Just under two years later, on July 23, 2011, they finally squared off on the field for the first time in different uniforms when the Revs visited the Colorado Rapids.
“It’s kind of weird and sometimes funny to look around and see someone who is exactly like you playing on the same field,” said Sainey of the experience of playing opposite his identical twin.
Revolution defender and teammate Darrius Barnes proved, too, that it wasn’t just Sainey who saw double on the field during the July 23 game against the Rapids. During his interview on RevsWrap following the match, Barnes was asked about the challenges in defending Rapids forward Sanna Nyassi.
“I feel like I play against [Sanna] every day at practice,” Barnes said jokingly. “I play against Sainey and I know how to defend Sainey, so I used that same mentality going into the (Colorado) game.”
Holding different positions on the field doesn’t mask the fact that these twins are equally quick and can strike the ball, hard. They learned the game with each other growing up, so it’s inevitable that they will share similar technique, along with other physical attributes.
“We used to be on the same teams back home, since we were young,” Sainey said. “Then we came here and went different ways, so I would love for us to be on the same team. It’s a possibility, you never know.”
As witnessed on July 23, having two Nyassi’s on the field can be a bit confusing, but having them on the same team would be a defender’s nightmare.
A Gambian referee spotted in MLS
Gambian referee Baboucarr Jallow
August 23rd 2011 A Gambian referee has been spotted refereeing in yesterday’s game in a MLS reserve league involving Mustapha “Toubabo” Jarju’s Vancouver Whitecaps and Mamadou “Futty” Danso’s Portland Timbers.
Baboucarr Jallow started refereeing in 1999 in his home country of Gambia where he eventually acquired his FIFA referee badge. He moved to the United States in 2003 and is working to attain his national badge for 2011. Jallow has officiated almost 50 Development Academy matches in the past two years and was invited to attend the 2010 Academy Finals Week in Carson, Calif, as an assistant referee. He has also gained experience in the USL and PDL and within the Youth National Team program. He has also refereed in the 2009 and 2010 Open Cups and 2010 MLS exhibition matches.
Jallow was selected as the Development Academy Referee of the Week for a stellar performance last year in a Northwest Division matchup between Crossfire Premier and San Jose Earthquakes.
Not only is Jallow involved with soccer in Seattle at an elite youth level but he is also a community organizer who helps local children in the African community in soccer and educational programs. When he is not refereeing, Jallow is a social worker who also enjoys basketball and cooking. Earlier this year, he gained U.S. citizenship.
Randers terminate Tijan Jaiteh’s contract
Gambia call-up costs Tijan's job
August 22nd 2011 Twenty-two-year old Gambian defensive midfielder Tijan Jaiteh is the latest of Gambian players to have their contracts terminated for failing to honor or respect contractual terms.
Tijan, who is among Gambia’s brightest midfield talents, is the latest to be shocked as his loaned Danish side Randers FC have executed his expulsion from their squad due to failure of sticking to contract terms.
The Randers midfielder who was on a vacation in The Gambia after the end of the last Danish Superligaen season showed his commitment for his country by accepting an invitation against visiting DR Congo, but played without getting the green light from his second division side Randers, which according to the relegated club is an infringement of his contract terms.
A statement on Randers FC official reads “Randers FC midfielder Tijan Jaiteh has broken his contract with us and he will not henceforth be represented in a Randers FC jersey. As far as the club is oriented Tijan Jaiteh is in Gambia, where he has been since last week, without Randers FC’s permission, and he also appeared to play for the Gambian national team, after which he should have returned to Denmark.
Tijan Jaiteh is on a loan with us [Randers FC] till 31st December 2011, so it's not just the loan with Randers FC, the Gambian midfielder has sinned against by his unexpected absence, but also the Norwegian club Brann Bergen, who are Tijan Jaiteh’s owner.
Randers FC has chosen to open proceedings to terminate the loan agreement with the player. While the club has chosen to appeal to FIFA for the player being to be convicted of breach of contract and subsequent consequences”, the statement ends.
Tijan’s agent, Stig Lillejord, who operates a large sporting agency company in Norway, called his client's behavior as unfair and unprofessional, and he no longer wants to represent Tijan Jaiteh.
"I can only say that Tijan Jaiteh has performed extremely unfair and unprofessional to
Randers FC and to me as an agent. I've been an agent for 15 years but have never experienced
something like this”, " Stig Lillejord said to the Randers Amtsavis. According to Lillejord, he has only been in contact with Tijan through mail.
He further went on to add “It is very important to me that there is total trust between the players that I represent and me and Tijan Jaiteh have not lived up to this. Therefore, I do not want to represent him as an agent and have written to him that I am willing to terminate the agreement if certain conditions are not fulfilled by him. These terms, I cannot dwell on. But I can say that it is not about economic balances between Tijan Jaiteh and me”, Stig Lillejord stressed.
But before the terms between him and the agent can be terminated, it must be accepted by the Norwegian FA, where the matter now stands.
It has not been possible to get in touch with Tijan Jaiteh by the Danish press because he [Tijan] is still believed to be in Gambia. But in an interview with Randers Amtsavis in late July after a
test match, Tijan said the following: “It's about being professional. It's my job to make it as best I can for Randers FC, and I intend to do, as long as I play here”.
Randers FC director Jacob Nielsen states that Tijan Jaiteh has played his last game for the club.
He’s quoted as saying “This is an inbound matter, therefore I cannot go into details. But we will report the case to FIFA, and I expect the results to be fines and sanctions against Tijan [Jaiteh]”.
This is the former U-17, U-20 and Gambia Ports Authority first offence since turning professional with Norwegian giants Brann in 2007 following a convincing trial.
Tijan was set to serve his loan term which is set to expire in December, but the Gambian midfield man is expected to return to second place Brann, but yet another loan move elsewhere could be on the cards.
Paul Jatta yet to nail a place in Brondby
August 22nd 2011 Former Gambia U-17 captain and U-20 starlet Paul Jatta and his Danish Superligaen team Brøndby's on Sunday, managed to hold their hosts Aarhus scoreless just as they did last week, but were unable to capitalize in a tense, goalless draw.
Brøndby were inches away from taking the lead in the 24th minute when Mikkel Thygesen rocketed a shot from distance that barely missed wide right by mere inches, rattling the back goalpost and landing in the side netting to momentarily give the traveling fans the impression of a fantastic goal.
Chances for both teams came at a rapid pace, and Aarhus were closest just seconds before the half as Peter Graulund looped a shot from the edge of the area that nearly curved into the upper left corner but sailed just wide of the target.
The pace continued after the break, with Thygesen proving to be the danger man in Brøndby's attack, coming within a step of putting his team in the lead on several occasions.
Brøndby looked to have finally grabbed a dramatic winner in the 88th minute off the foot of their American captain. Nicolaj Agger sent a low pass across the six-yard box where Goodson was waiting to tap it in, however the referee judged Martin Bernburg to have upended Aarhus Adam Eckersley on the play as the English defender attempted to clear the cross, calling back the goal.
The frustration of the Brøndby players at the perceived injustice was visible, and boiled over moments later when Swedish defender Mikael Nilsson pushed the referee while arguing a call, drawing an automatic red card which will rule him out for at least one game, if not longer.
Brøndby final attempts in pressing hard to create another chance to take the three points were well stifled by their hosts, with the referee's whistle confirming the point to each team.
Paul Jatta wasn’t featured as he only watched the game from the bench.
The point does bring Brøndby above Silkeborg into ninth place, giving a two-point cushion above the relegation places. They face a second consecutive road game on Sunday when they visit fifth-place Midtjylland.
Meanwhile, a place below the Superligaen, in the 1st Division where Tijan Jaiteh’s relegated Randers visited Næstved at the Næstved stadion. Making it three wins in their last three games, Tijan Jaiteh’s Randers were unable to replicate that performance as they lost to Næstved by a goal to nil with the only goal of the game scored by Anders Clausen in the 72nd minute. They now lie 6th with 3 points from 2 games and now face Brønshøj next.
Sanna included in Rapids squad for CONCACAF
Sanna in CONCACAF with Rapids
August 16th 2011 Sanna Nyassi’s Colorado Rapids today submitted their 23-man roster that is eligible to play in the opening game of the CONCACAF Champions League group stage against Salvadoran side Asociación Deportiva Isidro Metapán or better known as Isidro Metapan tomorrow at Dick's Sporting Goods.
One obvious omission is forward Conor Casey, who is out for the season with a torn left Achilles. Veteran midfielder Jamie Smith, who played in the European version of the Champions League with Scotland's Celtic, and defender Anthony Wallace have been ruled out for the midweek match due to injury. Youngsters Davy Armstrong, Josh Janniere, and Steve Emory will also not be available for selection. The Rapids coaching staff will have to select 18 players from an available 23 in which Sanna Nyassi and Gambian hopeful Macoumba Kandji are.
The defending MLS Cup champions pitted in Group B will stake their claim to CCL success. The Colorado Rapids will make their first appearance in the tournament after last year's surprising run in the MLS postseason, while Mexican power Santos Laguna are back for another shot after reaching the quarterfinals last year.
Salvadoran side Isidro Metapán, who are also back on the scene after edging the Puerto Rico Islanders during the preliminary round, and Real España are eager to make good in their second-ever appearance in the tournament.
Although the Rapids are participating in their first CONCACAF Champions League, seven of their players have had Champions League experience with their previous MLS clubs namely: Wynne (Toronto), Marshall (Seattle), Mullan (Houston), Nane (Toronto), Sanna Nyassi (Seattle), Larentowicz (New England) and Thompson (New England).
Coach Gary Smith will be looking to count on Sanna Nyassi and Omar Cummings for goals because for Cummings, follow him to a foot race, and you will lose. The Jamaican international regularly leaves defenders in the dust and then punishes them by getting the assist for Sanna or finding the net himself, something he's done 17 times combined in 2010 and 2011.
Champions League regulations required participating teams to submit at most a 30-man roster that is eligible to play in the group stage of the tournament. Teams are not required to fill all 30 spots and may add players throughout the stage up to a maximum of 30. Once a player is listed he cannot be removed until the next stage. The 23-man match day-eligible roster must be turned in 48 hours before each match, and the game day roster one hour prior to kickoff.
Round-up: Gambians in MLS
Sanna the only Gambian win in MLS though he didn't play
August 14th 2011
After the strong partnership between Sanna Nyassi and his team-mate Omar Cummings which have proven over the last month that the Colorado Rapids don’t need Conor Casey to succeed did not partner this week after fatigue took its toll on Sanna.
Saturday night, Caleb Folan and Jeff Larentowicz proved that the Rapids can do just fine without Cummings and Nyassi in the starting lineup as well.
Folan converted his second penalty of the year and Larentowicz scored off a set piece as the Rapids delivered a 2-1 kidney punch to the San Jose Earthquakes’ dwindling playoff hopes.
The Rapids extended their unbeaten streak to five consecutive matches, taking advantage of an 11-on-10 advantage for the final 40 minutes after the ejection of San Jose’s Sam Cronin.
Larentowicz got the winner in the 72nd minute, walking onto a stationary ball that had been touched dead off a short free kick. Larentowicz’s low, driven shot from 25 yards skipped through the legs of San Jose midfielder Simon Dawkins and off the hand of goalkeeper Jon Busch before reaching the net.
Folan had brought Colorado even in the 39th minute when Cronin was whistled for a handball after his arm deflected a cross from Colorado captain Pablo Mastroeni.
Despite Joey Gjertsen’s goal in the 22nd minute, San Jose saw its franchise-record winless streak reach 11-straight games.
Colorado recovered before the halftime whistle, with Mastroeni forcing the action by tracking down Larentowicz’s lead pass along the right wing. Mastroeni cut a low cross over from the end line, and the ball caught the trailing left arm of a sliding Cronin.
Colorado opened the match without Cummings and Nyassi after the pair flew halfway around the world for international friendlies.
Nyassi, who came to represent The Gambia, in a friendly over the Democratic Republic of the Congo this week, did not travel to the Bay Area at all as fatigue took its toll on him whilst Cummings, who joined the Rapids in San Jose after traveling to China with the Jamaican national team, was on the 18-man roster but did not come on until the 60th minute.
The game also marked the first MLS appearance by Macoumba Kandji since MLS Cup back in November 2010 when he tore a ligament on the game winning play. The forward came on in the 83rd minute in place of Folan.
The Rapids return to Colorado for a busy week featuring a midweek CONCACAF Champions’ League game followed by a league game at home against Chivas USA next Saturday.
Abdoulie Kenny Mansally and Sainey Nyassi’s New England Revolution lost by 3 goals to 1 to a stronger Columbus Crew side. The loss was the second straight for the Revolution (4-11-9), who coughed up an own goal early in the second half and never recovered while the Crew offense caught fire.
The Revs were ahead at the stroke of half-time through Benny Feilhaber’s goal but the crucial miscue came off the foot of New England defender Kevin Alston in the 54th minute, and Julius James (75th) and a healthy Emilio Rentería (81st) each scored to help Columbus pull away. Kenny Mansally came in as a second half substitute in the 68th minute after representing The Gambia at midweek whilst midfielder Sainey Nyassi who sprained his right MCL (medial collateral ligament) wasn’t featured as he is recuperating from injury.
Mustapha Toubabo Jarju’s Vancouver Whitecaps woeful performance in the MLS continues as they succumbed to a 4 nil defeat tromping off the hands of D.C United. Though he had a long and tiring journey back to Vancouver after representing The Gambia, Tom Schoen decided to feature Toubabo in the 71st minute but it was little too late for him as he wasn’t able to over-rule the scores as they were 4 nil down. They’re now bottom in the Western Conference with just 18 points. Mamadou Futty Danso’s Portland Timbers plays today.
And finally, Amadou Baresi Sanyang featured in a whole game for the Sounders reserve in a 2-1 defeat against Mustapha Toubabo Jarju’s Vancouver Whitecaps reserve side. Vancouver scored in the 21st minute when Davide Chiumiento found Michael Nanchoff for a blast from the left side that crossed up Ford and found the back of the net.
Seattle only managed one shot in the first half, a shot from outside the box by newly signed midfielder Amadou Sanyang.
Mike Fucito opened the second half with a shot in the 46th minute and another from close range in the 49th minute, but he missed high on the first and Joe Cannon made a solid save from the seat of his pants on the second.
In the 53rd minute, Seattle finally broke through. Miguel Montano carried the ball up the left side and cut the ball across to Lamar Neagle, who pushed up the right side of the box. Neagle then found Jaqua charging from the left side and Jaqua hammered a shot past the on-coming Cannon for the goal to even it up at 1-1.
Vancouver bounced right back though when Long Tan raced up the left side and rocketed a shot past Ford for the 2-1 lead. Seattle pressed for the equalizer late in the match, mostly from close range, but couldn’t get past Cannon and suffered their first loss in the reserve division season. The Sounders next reserve match is scheduled for October 10 at Starfire against the San Jose Earthquakes, however they still have to make up a rescheduled match against Chivas USA that was originally scheduled for April 10.
They remain one win away from clinching the Western Division title.
After the strong partnership between Sanna Nyassi and his team-mate Omar Cummings which have proven over the last month that the Colorado Rapids don’t need Conor Casey to succeed did not partner this week after fatigue took its toll on Sanna.
Saturday night, Caleb Folan and Jeff Larentowicz proved that the Rapids can do just fine without Cummings and Nyassi in the starting lineup as well.
Folan converted his second penalty of the year and Larentowicz scored off a set piece as the Rapids delivered a 2-1 kidney punch to the San Jose Earthquakes’ dwindling playoff hopes.
The Rapids extended their unbeaten streak to five consecutive matches, taking advantage of an 11-on-10 advantage for the final 40 minutes after the ejection of San Jose’s Sam Cronin.
Larentowicz got the winner in the 72nd minute, walking onto a stationary ball that had been touched dead off a short free kick. Larentowicz’s low, driven shot from 25 yards skipped through the legs of San Jose midfielder Simon Dawkins and off the hand of goalkeeper Jon Busch before reaching the net.
Folan had brought Colorado even in the 39th minute when Cronin was whistled for a handball after his arm deflected a cross from Colorado captain Pablo Mastroeni.
Despite Joey Gjertsen’s goal in the 22nd minute, San Jose saw its franchise-record winless streak reach 11-straight games.
Colorado recovered before the halftime whistle, with Mastroeni forcing the action by tracking down Larentowicz’s lead pass along the right wing. Mastroeni cut a low cross over from the end line, and the ball caught the trailing left arm of a sliding Cronin.
Colorado opened the match without Cummings and Nyassi after the pair flew halfway around the world for international friendlies.
Nyassi, who came to represent The Gambia, in a friendly over the Democratic Republic of the Congo this week, did not travel to the Bay Area at all as fatigue took its toll on him whilst Cummings, who joined the Rapids in San Jose after traveling to China with the Jamaican national team, was on the 18-man roster but did not come on until the 60th minute.
The game also marked the first MLS appearance by Macoumba Kandji since MLS Cup back in November 2010 when he tore a ligament on the game winning play. The forward came on in the 83rd minute in place of Folan.
The Rapids return to Colorado for a busy week featuring a midweek CONCACAF Champions’ League game followed by a league game at home against Chivas USA next Saturday.
Abdoulie Kenny Mansally and Sainey Nyassi’s New England Revolution lost by 3 goals to 1 to a stronger Columbus Crew side. The loss was the second straight for the Revolution (4-11-9), who coughed up an own goal early in the second half and never recovered while the Crew offense caught fire.
The Revs were ahead at the stroke of half-time through Benny Feilhaber’s goal but the crucial miscue came off the foot of New England defender Kevin Alston in the 54th minute, and Julius James (75th) and a healthy Emilio Rentería (81st) each scored to help Columbus pull away. Kenny Mansally came in as a second half substitute in the 68th minute after representing The Gambia at midweek whilst midfielder Sainey Nyassi who sprained his right MCL (medial collateral ligament) wasn’t featured as he is recuperating from injury.
Mustapha Toubabo Jarju’s Vancouver Whitecaps woeful performance in the MLS continues as they succumbed to a 4 nil defeat tromping off the hands of D.C United. Though he had a long and tiring journey back to Vancouver after representing The Gambia, Tom Schoen decided to feature Toubabo in the 71st minute but it was little too late for him as he wasn’t able to over-rule the scores as they were 4 nil down. They’re now bottom in the Western Conference with just 18 points. Mamadou Futty Danso’s Portland Timbers plays today.
And finally, Amadou Baresi Sanyang featured in a whole game for the Sounders reserve in a 2-1 defeat against Mustapha Toubabo Jarju’s Vancouver Whitecaps reserve side. Vancouver scored in the 21st minute when Davide Chiumiento found Michael Nanchoff for a blast from the left side that crossed up Ford and found the back of the net.
Seattle only managed one shot in the first half, a shot from outside the box by newly signed midfielder Amadou Sanyang.
Mike Fucito opened the second half with a shot in the 46th minute and another from close range in the 49th minute, but he missed high on the first and Joe Cannon made a solid save from the seat of his pants on the second.
In the 53rd minute, Seattle finally broke through. Miguel Montano carried the ball up the left side and cut the ball across to Lamar Neagle, who pushed up the right side of the box. Neagle then found Jaqua charging from the left side and Jaqua hammered a shot past the on-coming Cannon for the goal to even it up at 1-1.
Vancouver bounced right back though when Long Tan raced up the left side and rocketed a shot past Ford for the 2-1 lead. Seattle pressed for the equalizer late in the match, mostly from close range, but couldn’t get past Cannon and suffered their first loss in the reserve division season. The Sounders next reserve match is scheduled for October 10 at Starfire against the San Jose Earthquakes, however they still have to make up a rescheduled match against Chivas USA that was originally scheduled for April 10.
They remain one win away from clinching the Western Division title.
City trials Njogu Demba
Njogu hopes to clinch City deal
August 14th 2011
Gambian international and former Notts County player, Njogu Demba Nyrén is currently under-going a trial with Championship side, Birmingham City after been told that his contract at County will not be renewed at the end of the last season Gam Sports Online can reveal.
Njogu, called up for The Gambia vs DR Congo clash gave an excuse for the nation to pardon him as he is finding a club after been released by League One side, Notts County FC last season and it turned out to be a true fact.
Njogu fared in the Birmingham City FC reserves that were beaten 6-3 by Tottenham Hotspurs reserves in a pre-season friendly in North London during the week.
The nine-goal thriller at the Spurs Lodge training ground saw Blues (Birmingham FC) introduce a number of both new and familiar faces to the side. First team boss Chris Hughton was also in attendance at his former club.
No less than six trialists took part in the game for Richard Beale's side .
Amongst their number were former Blues favourites Darren Carter and Craig Fagan, who are currently free agents and have been training at Wast Hills this week, along with ex-Newcastle and Congolese man Lomana LuaLua.
Blues took a tenth minute lead courtesy of a scrambled effort by LuaLua, but immediately found themselves on the back foot as Spurs scored four times without reply.
LuaLua doubled both his own and Blues' goal tally before the half time break.
Beale's side put in a much more solid second half performance, but found themselves 5-2 behind after failing to take a number of clear-cut chances.
Njogu dubbed “trialist” by the club also scored for Blues in the midweek reserve friendly at Spurs after a well-taken effort before Spurs scored their sixth and final goal of the match with five minutes remaining and has since gained recognition amongst the Blues fans who were pleased with his performance.
The 6ft 2in Gambian forward spent the last three months of the season with Notts County before being released to be a free agent.
He scored once in nine appearances for Notts after joining them from Danish side Odense Boldklub. The 32-year-old has had a journeyman career, encompassing spells in Sweden, Greece, Bulgaria and Norway.
A free agent that he is, Njogu Demba Nyrén joined Congolese Lomana LuaLua, Darren Carter and Craig Fagan on trial.
All played in the 6-3 reserves defeat, as did Brazilian midfielder Radames da Silva, who has since left Blues.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943. They were relegated at the end of the 2010–11 Premier League season and will play the 2011–12 season in the Football League Championship.
San Jose waives Waterman
Waterman no more an Earthquake player
August 13th 2011
Another Gambian youngster plying his trade in USA in the Major League Soccer to be precise have been waived by San Jose Earthquakes in what has been much expected for quite some time around San Jose as they waived midfielder and former Gambian Under 20 starlet Omar “Waterman” Jasseh, Gam Sports Online can reveal.
The Gambian appeared in only 5 games for the Quakes in one-and-a-half stint at the nicknamed The Boys in Blue,Los Terremotos de San José, and failed to notch a goal or an assist in his 89 total minutes of action. This season, Jasseh played the last 13 minutes of the 2-0 away loss at Chivas USA on July 6 and the second half of the West Bromwich Albion friendly on July 12.
When Jasseh signed as a then 17-year old on April 14, 2010, he was seen as a bit of a project by the coaching staff. With lightning quick speed and a strong finish from both feet, Waterman as he’s fondly called was given time to adjust the rigor and pace of MLS in his rookie year.
Earlier on, Earthquakes General manager, John Doyle wasn't ready to write off the young Gambian just yet as he was quoted as saying "God, I would hope so he stays because we brought him in here to have him play" but seems like those words were terminological inexactitude as he was not part of coach Frank Yallop’s plan and it didn’t take long for Waterman to be waived.
Late in the preseason this year, Waterman struggled to find his form following a hamstring injury, and spent the majority of the spring in rehabilitation. Upon achieving full fitness, Jasseh trained with the team on a regular basis, but did not impress in his two outings last month. The coaching staff openly criticized his commitment to playing on both sides of the ball, and that failure to improve his defensive skills ultimately led to his release from the team.
By waiving the Gambian midfielder, the San Jose Earthquakes collect back an International player slot on the 30 man roster. Currently at 28 players, the team has room to make more signings during the MLS summer transfer window, so that International slot might just come in handy.
Waterman is the third Gambian professional player in the MLS to be waived as it was Amadou Sanyang, now at Seattle and Emmanuel Gomez who were waived before by their former team Toronto FC.
A waived player means permission for a professional athletic club to assign a player to the minor leagues or release a player from the club, granted only after all other clubs have been given the opportunity to claim the player and have not done so.
CAREER
Omar “Waterman” Jasseh began playing in academies at the age of 12 in The Gambia. He played for Maccassa and Samger, before spending three years in England with youth academies at Charlton Athletic, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
Jasseh came to the United States in 2009 and trained with Amadou Sanyang and Emmanuel Gomez’s former team, Toronto FC, before signing with the Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes on April 14, 2010. This made him the youngest player ever in the history of the club to sign with the team in franchise history. He also represented The Gambia in youth category.
Jasseh made his professional debut on April 24, 2010 in a match against Chivas USA and was waived last month during the summer transfer period.
Nigerian professional golfer Gift Willy has emerged winner of the Gambian International Golf Championship in Banjul to return home with the best score of a nerve-wrecking final round to pocket the $5000 (N768,506.38) prize money.
Willy, formerly based on the Sunshine Tour, shot 67, two under par at the all-brown Fajara Golf Course in Gambia’s capital city, Banjul to finish tops and in two strokes advantage over two other Nigerian players, Umoh Edet and Gboyega Oyebanji who at different times had led and dropped shots during the final round.
"Its definitely my putting," Willy admitted after he rocked the ball 22 times in the final round on the brown, which he said has been his major weakness that has now gotten better.
"I had some aspect of my game improved for some time now. I am swinging perfectly now, for instance, and I have a lot of confidence when I stand over the ball better than before, but I think it is my putting that has clearly given me the edge here. Putting 22 times in a tough round like this should give you a very good score," he added.
At the first round of the event, Willy returned 70, one over par to set himself up for the victory on the 36 holes tournament.
With the victory, he is expected to pocket about $5, 000 which in Gambia’s record is the biggest price purse ever doled out for a professional golf event. The balance of $25, 000 from the total winning purse will be shared by other top ten finishers at the event.
Gambia’s best ranked player, Kebba Drammeh said the Nigerian players were better experienced and that the cancellation of the first day game was in their favour but there was nothing they could do because it was the committees’ decision. Drammeh said the Nigerians who were first time players in Gambia had the chance to improve on their first day performance and " They were definitely more calm and experienced than everybody on the field they deserved to win."
Willy, formerly based on the Sunshine Tour, shot 67, two under par at the all-brown Fajara Golf Course in Gambia’s capital city, Banjul to finish tops and in two strokes advantage over two other Nigerian players, Umoh Edet and Gboyega Oyebanji who at different times had led and dropped shots during the final round.
"Its definitely my putting," Willy admitted after he rocked the ball 22 times in the final round on the brown, which he said has been his major weakness that has now gotten better.
"I had some aspect of my game improved for some time now. I am swinging perfectly now, for instance, and I have a lot of confidence when I stand over the ball better than before, but I think it is my putting that has clearly given me the edge here. Putting 22 times in a tough round like this should give you a very good score," he added.
At the first round of the event, Willy returned 70, one over par to set himself up for the victory on the 36 holes tournament.
With the victory, he is expected to pocket about $5, 000 which in Gambia’s record is the biggest price purse ever doled out for a professional golf event. The balance of $25, 000 from the total winning purse will be shared by other top ten finishers at the event.
Gambia’s best ranked player, Kebba Drammeh said the Nigerian players were better experienced and that the cancellation of the first day game was in their favour but there was nothing they could do because it was the committees’ decision. Drammeh said the Nigerians who were first time players in Gambia had the chance to improve on their first day performance and " They were definitely more calm and experienced than everybody on the field they deserved to win."
Gambia league season commences on March 6
The new Gambian league will kick off in early March Gambia Sports Online has revealed.
The Gambia Football Association met clubs from the first and second divisions last Friday to plan for the new season.
One of the new ideas given priority by the meeting was the possible increase of the first division from 12 to 14 clubs. No time frame was set for the achievement of this objective.
The Association agreed with the clubs to set up a sub-committee to review the rules and regulations currently used in the national league. The two sides also agreed on the need for a calendar to ease organisational problems recurrently experienced by the GFA.
There was a meeting of minds on the need for timely and documented correspondence between clubs and the Association.
On the thorny issue of prize money for the different competitions the GFA had some good news for the clubs.
It announced that whilst registration fees would go up the winners of the first and second divisions and the Super Cup will receive higher cash prizes. Clubs will now pay a registration fee of D15,000 (up from D7000) to play in the first division and D10,000 (up from D5,000) in the second tier.
Correspondingly the winner of the first division will receive D100,000 (up from D75,000), the winner of the second division will henceforth get D70,000 (up from D40,000) whilst the Super Cup winner and runner-up will walk away with D30,000 and D20,000 respectively which is twice the amount hitherto given.
The two sides agreed to play the 2011 Super Cup on March 5 and start the 2011 league season on March 6.
Gambia Ports Authority are the 2010 champions and Gamtel are the FA Cup winners. The two sides will meet in the Super Cup.
The fxture list for the new season has yet to be published.
The Gambia Football Association met clubs from the first and second divisions last Friday to plan for the new season.
One of the new ideas given priority by the meeting was the possible increase of the first division from 12 to 14 clubs. No time frame was set for the achievement of this objective.
The Association agreed with the clubs to set up a sub-committee to review the rules and regulations currently used in the national league. The two sides also agreed on the need for a calendar to ease organisational problems recurrently experienced by the GFA.
There was a meeting of minds on the need for timely and documented correspondence between clubs and the Association.
On the thorny issue of prize money for the different competitions the GFA had some good news for the clubs.
It announced that whilst registration fees would go up the winners of the first and second divisions and the Super Cup will receive higher cash prizes. Clubs will now pay a registration fee of D15,000 (up from D7000) to play in the first division and D10,000 (up from D5,000) in the second tier.
Correspondingly the winner of the first division will receive D100,000 (up from D75,000), the winner of the second division will henceforth get D70,000 (up from D40,000) whilst the Super Cup winner and runner-up will walk away with D30,000 and D20,000 respectively which is twice the amount hitherto given.
The two sides agreed to play the 2011 Super Cup on March 5 and start the 2011 league season on March 6.
Gambia Ports Authority are the 2010 champions and Gamtel are the FA Cup winners. The two sides will meet in the Super Cup.
The fxture list for the new season has yet to be published.
Tijan Jaiteh makes Randers debut
Tijan Jaiteh and his new club Randers IF are in the Spanish resort of La Manga for a week long training camp.
With the Scandanavian winter showing no signs of relenting, many team in northern Europe are travelling down south for their preseason training camps, with the weather in the south of Spain more football friendly at this time of the year and training on grass a luxury the Gambian international and his new team have been busy lately acquiring and trying their new signings.
Whilst there, they will take part in the 'inter-Scandinavian tournament', the La Manga Cup, starting with a match against Odd Grenland from Norway. The competing clubs are divided into two groups, with the winner from each meeting in the final on February 21.
Randers played three warm-up matches ahead of the ‘inter-Scandinavian tournament. They won all three - 2-1 against FC Hjørring and AGF and 1-0 against Hobro IK.
With the Scandanavian winter showing no signs of relenting, many team in northern Europe are travelling down south for their preseason training camps, with the weather in the south of Spain more football friendly at this time of the year and training on grass a luxury the Gambian international and his new team have been busy lately acquiring and trying their new signings.
Whilst there, they will take part in the 'inter-Scandinavian tournament', the La Manga Cup, starting with a match against Odd Grenland from Norway. The competing clubs are divided into two groups, with the winner from each meeting in the final on February 21.
Randers played three warm-up matches ahead of the ‘inter-Scandinavian tournament. They won all three - 2-1 against FC Hjørring and AGF and 1-0 against Hobro IK.
Nigeria's oldest club ends Gambia visit
Members of Ikoyi Club of Lagos, one of the oldest sporting/leisure clubs in Nigeria were recently in The Gambia for a two-day visit.
During the visit members of the club were involved in sporting and leisure tourism activities with the Fajara Club. The delegation was received on arrival at the Banjul International Airport, Friday by the minister of Tourism and Culture, Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie.
Speaking to reporters at the airport, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Toye Sode, chairman of the Ikoyi Club said their mission in the country was to foster the relationship between Nigeria and The Gambia through sports, particularly on tennis. He said that they will be involved in many activities in the country mainly with the Fajara Club.
Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, the minister of Tourism and Culture said the coming of the club to the country is a step in building lasting sports relationship between The Gambia and Nigeria. She further stated that the move is also a step in promoting tourism between the two sides. "Gambia and Nigeria have started collaborating in Tourism," she added. Her Excellency Madam Esther Audu, the Nigeria high commissioner to The Gambia described the visit of the Ikoyi Club to Banjul as a great move in the relationship between the two countries. She opined that sports tourism will help the two sides to socialise, make friends and understand one another better.
Wale Opejin, chairman of the Ikoyi Club Tennis Section and Burnum Robison, Tennis captain of the Fajara Club said they are excited to see their clubs twining and making friendship. Both of them agreed that it will strengthen the relationship between The Gambia and Nigeria as well as help develop sports.
The deputy permanent secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Abdoulie Kah commended the Ikoyi Club for coming to The Gambia, saying that as far as sports is concerned, their coming is his department's business.
The Ikoyi Club was established in 1938. It derives its membership from ex-military personnel and top civil servants, amongst others. The visitors departed Banjul on Sunday.
During the visit members of the club were involved in sporting and leisure tourism activities with the Fajara Club. The delegation was received on arrival at the Banjul International Airport, Friday by the minister of Tourism and Culture, Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie.
Speaking to reporters at the airport, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Toye Sode, chairman of the Ikoyi Club said their mission in the country was to foster the relationship between Nigeria and The Gambia through sports, particularly on tennis. He said that they will be involved in many activities in the country mainly with the Fajara Club.
Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, the minister of Tourism and Culture said the coming of the club to the country is a step in building lasting sports relationship between The Gambia and Nigeria. She further stated that the move is also a step in promoting tourism between the two sides. "Gambia and Nigeria have started collaborating in Tourism," she added. Her Excellency Madam Esther Audu, the Nigeria high commissioner to The Gambia described the visit of the Ikoyi Club to Banjul as a great move in the relationship between the two countries. She opined that sports tourism will help the two sides to socialise, make friends and understand one another better.
Wale Opejin, chairman of the Ikoyi Club Tennis Section and Burnum Robison, Tennis captain of the Fajara Club said they are excited to see their clubs twining and making friendship. Both of them agreed that it will strengthen the relationship between The Gambia and Nigeria as well as help develop sports.
The deputy permanent secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Abdoulie Kah commended the Ikoyi Club for coming to The Gambia, saying that as far as sports is concerned, their coming is his department's business.
The Ikoyi Club was established in 1938. It derives its membership from ex-military personnel and top civil servants, amongst others. The visitors departed Banjul on Sunday.
Jallow attracts European clubs
Gambia and Brondby IF attacker Ousman Jallow's days with the Danish Super League side could come to an end as early as the end of this month after his agent Ibrahim Jallow told Danish publication Extrabladet that his client is been chased by two unnamed top European clubs, one of which are currently playing in the UEFA Champions League.
The Gambian international has earlier revealed that clubs from the Germany Bundesliga were very keen on his signature, before a hefty price tag slapped on him by Brondby swayed the suitors away. But now it appears the Gambian could be rounding up his days at Brondby with less than six months remaining on his current contract.
His agent who didn't reveal the identity of the Jallow's new suitors for what he [agent] calls "out of respect for the interested clubs" claims the 22-year-old forward now has a 70% chance of leaving Brondby Stadion.
Right now a club in the Champions League and another big European club is interest in Ousman. I had an important meeting this morning (Wednesday) and hoping for a clarification before the transfer window closes" Ibrahim Jallow said. "Out of respect for the interested clubs, I cannot speak (about the clubs identity). There have been several interested parties. Today a new club from the Super League also approached us and that is another offer that we need to study."
The Gambian who joined Brondby from United Arab Emirates side Al Ain is currently in Portugal with the rest of his teammates as Brondby prepare for the resumption of the Danish league next month.
The Gambian international has earlier revealed that clubs from the Germany Bundesliga were very keen on his signature, before a hefty price tag slapped on him by Brondby swayed the suitors away. But now it appears the Gambian could be rounding up his days at Brondby with less than six months remaining on his current contract.
His agent who didn't reveal the identity of the Jallow's new suitors for what he [agent] calls "out of respect for the interested clubs" claims the 22-year-old forward now has a 70% chance of leaving Brondby Stadion.
Right now a club in the Champions League and another big European club is interest in Ousman. I had an important meeting this morning (Wednesday) and hoping for a clarification before the transfer window closes" Ibrahim Jallow said. "Out of respect for the interested clubs, I cannot speak (about the clubs identity). There have been several interested parties. Today a new club from the Super League also approached us and that is another offer that we need to study."
The Gambian who joined Brondby from United Arab Emirates side Al Ain is currently in Portugal with the rest of his teammates as Brondby prepare for the resumption of the Danish league next month.