Medina United clinched their first-ever Gambian Cup title, securing victory over TMT FC in a nail-biting penalty shootout on Friday, July 12, 2024.
The Gambian Cup final saw Medina United, a second-division team, make history by lifting the coveted trophy for the first time.
The match, held at a packed stadium, ended in a 0-0 stalemate after 90 minutes of intense play, pushing the decision to penalties.
Medina United emerged victorious by converting three of their spot-kicks, while TMT FC managed only two.
From the kickoff, both teams exhibited determination and resilience. Medina United and TMT FC were evenly matched, with neither side willing to concede an inch. The
defensive units of both teams were particularly impressive, thwarting several attempts on goal and maintaining a goalless draw by the end of regular time.
The penalty shootout added to the drama of the evening. Medina United’s players showed remarkable composure under pressure, successfully netting three penalties.
Their goalkeeper was pivotal, making crucial saves that denied TMT FC the victory. This decisive performance secured Medina United’s place in the annals of Gambian football history.
This Gambian Cup victory is a significant achievement for Medina United, offering redemption after a challenging season in the Gambian Second Division, where they finished ninth.
Despite their league struggles, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and quality throughout the Cup competition.
Medina United’s path to the final was nothing short of extraordinary.
They faced and defeated top-tier opponents, including Brikama United in the round of 16, WAA Banjul in the quarter-final, and Steve Biko FC in the semi-final.
These victories against first-division teams underscored their potential and determination.
The triumph was met with jubilant celebrations from Medina United’s players, staff, and supporters.
Club captain expressed his elation, saying, “This victory means everything to us.
We worked hard all season, and this is the perfect reward for our efforts.”
For TMT FC, the defeat was a hard pill to swallow, but their performance throughout the competition was commendable.
They will undoubtedly seek to build on this experience in the coming seasons.
Medina United’s Gambian Cup victory marks a significant milestone in their history and sets a promising foundation for future successes.
As the team savors this historic achievement, they will also aim to carry this momentum into their league campaign next season, hoping to replicate their Cup form and climb the ranks of Gambian football.
