XALIMANEWS-Keur Massar has finally achieved its goal. Known as a training club, especially for women, it has long continued its rise to the second division since its creation. After numerous attempts, often punctuated by disappointed hopes, the club that trained international Astou Ndiaye has finally made its dream come true.
During the final of the Final Four of the Dakar League, this Saturday, the team led by coach Ansoumana Sadio, nicknamed “the Man”, surprised UCAD, 2023 regional vice-champion. Despite the expectations of the fans of the student club, the enthusiasm, determination and talent of the teammates of the Abdoul Aziz Ndiaye-Souleymane Dramé duo made the difference.
With a solid defense and unwavering determination, the players from the Dakar suburbs managed to win. After a very competitive first half (10-10), where Soriba Cissokho, the UCAD goalkeeper, shone, the Yellow and Blue found their rhythm in the last 30 minutes. They took the advantage for the second time (11-10) after opening the score at the start of the game, then widened a gap of three goals (16-13), for the first big gap of the match after a final score parity (12-12). Thanks to a compact defense and despite the absence of Arona Sy Diedhiou, sent off in the 42nd minute, Keur Massar maintained the gap, oscillating between 3 and 6 goals (18-13, 18-14, 19-14, 21 -15).
Opposite, an imperial Oumar Thiam in the goals in the second half and elected best goalkeeper of the final, UCAD was unable to respond to the intensity of the yellow enthusiasm and had to bow for the second time in a row in the final. Thus, the formation of the Stapsiens will not respect the tradition which requires that the team beaten in the final becomes champion the following season. Keur Massar, brilliant and determined, won the final with a difference of 7 goals (28-21), thus signing a second consecutive victory over UCAD after its success in the group stage (32-30). Suddenly, the Banlieusards become champions of the Dakar region, for the first time after 19 years of existence. The iconic Cheikh Fall, the club’s most experienced player, finally realizes his dream.
Oumar Thiam (Keur Massar), Best goalkeeper of the final posing with an admirer
Abdoul Aziz Faye (UCAD), MVP of the final and credited with a good tournament
The two teams exchange pleasantries at the end of the match
The Keur Massar trophy cabinet, in the senior category, which had remained desperately empty since the creation of the club, will finally welcome its first cup after almost two decades. This coronation will undoubtedly delight the late Bakary Badji, known as “Old Badji”, the founder of the Keur Massar handball team in April 2005, whose spirit will continue to watch over the club.
The final was well refereed by the duo Pape Talla Sow and Samba Djiba.
The young U20 international, Abdoul Aziz Ndiaye, was the big protagonist of this final. The Keur Massar winger, author of 11 goals (top scorer in the final), constantly put the opposing defense in difficulty. Well served by Souleymane Dramé, he shone alongside Modou Mamoune Mboup (5 goals), forming a formidable offensive duo. For UCAD, Soriba Cissokho was excellent in the first half but was less prominent in the second. Ibrahima Sakho tried to energize a team whose captain Abdoul Aziz Faye with 4 goals, was elected MVP of the final.
The scorers of the two teams during the final:
For Mass: Abdoul Aziz Ndiaye (11 goals), Modou Mamoune Mboup (5 goals), Ibrahima Sow (3 goals), Pape Amadou Touré (2 goals), Souleymane Dramé (2 goals), Arona Sy Diedhiou (1 goal), Ousseynou Sarr (1 goal), Mario Luis Barros (1 goal), Amadou Pouye (1 goal), Amadou Diallo (1 goal).
UCAD: Ibrahima Sakho (5 goals), Abdoul Aziz Faye (4 goals), Serigne Moustapha Fall (3 goals), Cheikh Yatte (2 goals), Diam Diop (2 goals), Alassane Ndiaye (2 goals), Cheikh Daouda Fall (1 goal ), Aliou Ndongo (1 goal), Serigne Fallou Touré (1 goal).
