DOL: Steadfast record historic victory against RTU in Tamale derby
The build up to Saturday’s derby game involving Steadfast Fc and Real Tamale United was undisputable the best to have attracted attention from the local media, with George Addo Jr of Joy Sports in attendance. The promotion of the derby game sent it viral on social media and the Media landscape.
The ‘Gandu Boys’ came into the game at the back of a 1-1 draw against rivals Tamale City last weekend, which their darling boy Abdul-Fatawu Issahaku was a dominant figure in the game. But Fatawu wasn’t available for the Saturday’s game as he is currently with the Black Stars team. With many thinking his absence would have a big blow for Steadfast but they managed to pip their Opponents by 1-0.
This is the first time in the club history to beat rivals RTU and this victory shows a long standing records broken by Coach Gargo’s men.
Real Tamale United before this weekend’s games were comfortably sitting at the top of the table with 24 points after defeating B.A United by 3-0 last weekend, and their opponents Steadfast with 23 points which has them occupying 3rd place.
The game just like any other derby match had a strong start from both teams pressing each other high to find the opener. But with the new faces into the RTU team, they struggled to keep the ball and Steadfast arguably were the best side during the first half of the game. As a result they took the lead, thanks to a goal from Abdullah Abu. That goal was his fourth for the season, he has been doing well for Gargo’s men and today wasn’t an exception.
After the first half break, with Real Tamale United down by a goal, they brought in Fauzan Dandawa, Iddrisu Gadafi to help dominate the midfield which they failed to do during the first half of the game.
With those changes they pressed harder to find an equalizer but a good defensive work from Gargo’s men wouldn’t allow them to penetrate.
Alhassan Siisu who has seven goals for Steadfast so far this season, tried to make a strong impact in the game from set pieces but Eassandor, the RTU goalkeeper denied him on several occasions, he even came closed during the first half with a clear opportunity but he was again denied by Essandor.
With the clock running and Steadfast still holding on to their lead, some unnecessary fouls were committed in the second half and you can understand why it was so , it is always difficult to accept a defeat from a derby game especially when it is a narrow win.
Abdullah’s goal was enough to hand Coach Mohammed Gargo’s men a famous win for the first time against Real Tamale United since it’s establishment.The three vital points help Steadfast to climb to second place with 26 points, trailing leaders Berekum Arsenals with just a point, who also recorded a 1-0 win over Mighty Royals.
Real Tamale United can’t rest their heads as both their City rivals has recorded wins against them. They will be pushed back to fourth place and they will hope to make amends in their next game against relegation threatened side Yendi Gbewaa FC at same venue.
By Saaka Yakubu Issah
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