….WASHINGTON ARE 2008 ALD SOCCER CHAMPIONS.

By Correspondent  Bakary Gibba, Washington DC

An early penalty goal propelled Washington DC to a lone goal victory against the defending champions New York an claimed the 2008 African Liberation Day tournament in Washington DC.

The soccer tournament that forms an integral part of the ALD tournament in Washington DC has once again ended in Columbia Park at the suburbs of Washington DC.

Eight teams participated in the fiercely contested tournament. They include Washington DC, Cincinnati, DC old hands, Reading PA, Atlanta, Rhode Island, Senegal and the defending champions New York.

The group games were played throughout Saturday and the winners played the semi finals on Sunday. New York defeated Ohio in a post game penalty kick out and Washington narrowly defeated Reading to a lone goal. The final game was played between the defending champions New York and the hosts Washington DC.

A game of splendid nature was shown by New York and an early penalty in the first quarter was converted into a goal that defined the match. With all the struggles from New York strikers, wonderful defense by Essa Jallow and a great play by goal keeper Dennis was not enough to offset the win. Time became a factor and the game was ended abruptly without time elapsing when it became dark.

Washington DC claimed the trophy for the first time in many years. The presentation ceremony would be done tonight. The ALD is celebrated by Gambians as a tribute to the founding of the OAU on May 25,1963. Beauty contests, sympossia, soccer tournaments and lots of merry night characterize the celebration. Final version to come tomorrow.