CAF CL: Gambia’s Fortune FC Stuns Algeria’s ES Setif
Gambian champions Fortune FC started its 2021-2022 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign with an emphatic 3-0 home win against Algerian club side ES Setif, courtesy of goals from Ebrima Camara, Patrick Sylva and Alieu Barry at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
2014 Champions League winners, ES Setif, looked a threat in the opening minutes with their quick interplays, but it didn’t yield fruits as Jane Joof’s men defended well. On their continental debut, the Petroleum Boys — as Fortune FC are nicknamed — broke the deadlock midway through the first half through Ebrima Camara.
The former Gambia youth international kept his cold finish past Setif’s experienced goalkeeper Sofiane Khedairia. The first half finished 1-0 to Fortune as Setif couldn’t breach the tough Gambian defence.
The Setif forward Riad Benayad could have equalised in the opening minutes of the second half when he was played through the Fortune defence as he muscled his way past Sheriffo Darboe. However, he fired his shot straight at goalkeeper Yankuba Sabally.
The hosts doubled its advantage five minutes after the hour mark courtesy of Patrick Sylva’s stunner. The winger cut in from the left, dropping a shoulder before picking Soufiane Khedairia’s far post with a rocket of a shot.
Bully Drammeh found space on the right before playing in fellow substitute Alieu Barry to register his name on the score sheet ten minutes from time. Barry pounced on Drammeh’s inch perfect pass to give his new side a commanding advantage ahead of the second leg in Setif.
With a ferocious home crowd behind them, Fortune never looked back as they continued were determine to gather all three points on their continental debut.
The Algerian side came back from the locker room with purpose and but could not penetrate the tough Fortune defence.
Chidi Nwoke/CAF.
