‘TUFA MUST TURN THE PAGE AFTER FAILING TO QUALIFY FOR THE MIDDLE LEAGUE

25th March, 2014

Although Tamale Utrecht fell to a 3-4 home loss to Wa Africa United on Wednesday in the last round of matches in the Zone 1A of the Division one league that saw the hosts crash out of qualification to the middle league, coach Mumuni Gamel was quick to defend his hard-working side.

The Red and Whites needed a win and hoped other results go their favor on the final day but were shocked by the Wa based side as their hopes dashed into thin air.

Tamale Utrecht were leading 2-0 before the break but a spirited Africa united side bounce back with two quick fire goals before leading striker Salifu Nuhu restored the lead for Utrecht. Complacency was the catalyst of the later part of the game as Africa united scored two goals in the space of five minutes to kill any hope of Utrecht making it to the promotional playoffs.

Despite going out, Coach Mumuni Gamel spoke highly of his charges for their efforts during the tie.

"I have to congratulate my team," Gamel told tufaghanafc.com. "They did their best and we came close to victory – especially in the first half when we were leading.

"We've lost players [due to injury], but the sacrifices the team has made has seen us overcome those difficulties by taking responsibility.

“We must turn to a new page. We still have an important chapter left for next season. We must be convinced of our own abilities in the league. “Is not easy playing in the Division one but my boys have demonstrated that they can compete even at the highest level”