League leaders The Gambia Ports Authority came from behind to snatch a point against TMT and opened a four-point gap at the top of the table.
Bombada secured bragging rights in a tense derby against Brikama United, while Hart held BST Galaxy to wrap up the first round of matches in the GFF First Division League Vista Bank-Baluwo Official Partner on Sunday.
Substitute Sulayman Faal scored a 90th minute penalty to salvage a point in a 1-1 stalemate against TMT at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium. Captain Yahya Ndong headed TMT in front from Ebrima Fofana’s well-delivered cross in the fifth minute.
TMT defended well, denying the Ferry Boys any clear cut chances until the 95th minute when goalkeeper Yusupha Sanyang made a mistake with a bouncing ball, allowing GPA’s Hasim Badjie to get a toe to the ball. In an attempt to recover the ball, Sanyang brought down Badjie in the area.
Central referee Omar Sallah pointed to the spot and showed Yusupha Sanyang a second yellow card, leaving TMT to play the rest of the game with a man less.
Meanwhile, Bombada Football Club returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brikama United in the derby. Lamin Colley’s wonder goal two minutes into the second half proved decisive for Bombada as they reclaimed the third spot in the standings.
Elsewhere, BST Galaxy FC was held to a stalemate by visiting Hart FC at the Ousman Saho Football Field in Old Yundum. The best chance of the game fell to the home side when a last-ditch self-sacrificing defending from Hart defender Karimu Darboe left Omar Jabang wondering how the ball was not in the back of the net.
At the conclusion of the first round fixtures, newly promoted GPA Football Club Official is defying the odds as they lead the standings with 28 points, four points ahead of the chasing quartet of Hart, Bombada, Real De Banjul, and Fortune Football Club, respectively, in an increasingly congested title race.
The Gambian Dutch Lions are sixth with 20 points, followed by Brikama United, Hawks FC, and Falcons FC Gambia, all on 19 points, while Team Rhino Football Club, Medina United, and Greater Tomorrow are leveled on 18 points each.
BST Galaxy has 17 points, TMT 15 points, Samger Football Club 12 points, and Steve Biko Fc 12 points, completing the 18-team standings.