Bissa FC of Bawku on Saturday subjected their Grunsi counterpart to 1-0 friendly beating in a football match meant to foster unity among the two sister tribes.
A 29th minute strike by Majeed Karim Dimba was all that the Bissas needed to claim supremacy over the Grunsis, who had waxed lyrical before the game.
The Bawku park was set into absolute delirium when the players from both sides entered the field but it was the Bissa men who had the last laugh after Dimba latched on a long ball from Rabiu Zampaligidi to slot home the only goal of the duel.
Playing in the presence of big dignitaries, including the newly appointed DCE for pusiga, Hon. Zubeiru Abdulai Dimba, the young men in blue knew the day is bright and right for each to justify his inclusion.
They played their hearts out to give the Grunsis a taste of what Zekula means when the Bissa says it with passion.
The men in Green had claimed favourites on radio but they were elements of jittery on the field of play.
They were in their sixes and sevens anytime the Bissas were on the offensive.
They, however, can be credited for their resilience in maintaining their 1-0 deficit for the rest of the 61 minutes of the game.
They tried their best in search for an equaliser but the Bissas with an impregnable defensive shield, linked with a hard-working midfiel set and a ferocious attack, thwarted every effort of the opponent.
An absolute cohesion, backed by chanting from the men and women made the trick for the players in blue Manchester City replica jersey.
After surviving incessant attacks right from the blow of the referee’s whistle, the Grunsis finally gave up in the 29th minutes as Zampaligidis defence-splitting pass found Dimba, who expertly hit the ball to the left side of the helpless goalkeeper.
Saturday’s game was well patronised as the DCE of Pusiga was there to witness proceedings.
The Bissa women, led by Hajia Hamida Sango, were also there to throw their support for the young men who were playing it fun to defend the flag of Bissa with might and main.
The contest on the pitch was keen but it was the friendliness off the field that beautified the scene.
Many have called for more Organisation of such inter-tribal sports events which is a tool for building unity and peaceful coexistence and also offers the stage for budding talents to be unearthed.
Story by Fiifi Abdul Malik Guerm
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