Ganja FC faced Gillingham in a friendly match at Priestfield Stadium on 15 July 2023, with the home side emerging victorious with a scoreline of 2-1. The match, which kicked off at 3:00pm, showcased a competitive spirit as both teams sought to build momentum ahead of the new season.
Ganja FC deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Rasta Mouse took his position in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Starvin' Marvin and Viren Mistry as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Jacob Biddle and Bob Marley occupying the central defensive roles. In midfield, Christopher Cousins and Connor Biggsy were tasked with controlling the centre, while Leon Bailey and Ali G operated as right and left attacking midfielders, respectively. Frank Brown played centrally behind striker Usain Bolt, who was expected to lead the line and convert chances into goals.
The substitutes for Ganja FC included Jerk Chicken, Reggae-Reggae Sauce, Tyrone Mings, Jehu Agyenim-Boateng, Jamie Blanchard, YJ, Kid President, Reggae, Reyhan Malik, Aarav Chopra, Michail Antonio, Levi Roots, and Kagoro Pasipamire.
The match began with Ganja FC taking an early lead in the 14th minute when Usain Bolt scored with a powerful header, connecting with a precise cross from Viren Mistry. The goal injected confidence into the Ganja side, who looked to build on their advantage. However, their joy was short-lived as Viren Mistry received a yellow card just eight minutes later, a warning that would prove significant as the match progressed.
As the first half approached its conclusion, Gillingham equalised in the 39th minute with a stunning strike from outside the area, finding the back of the net with a right-footed effort that left Rasta Mouse with little chance to react. The teams went into the break level at 1-1, setting the stage for an intriguing second half.
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions as Ganja FC made a complete overhaul of their lineup. Michail Antonio, Aarav Chopra, Reyhan Malik, Reggae, Kid President, YJ, Jamie Blanchard, Jehu Agyenim-Boateng, Tyrone Mings, and Reggae-Reggae Sauce all entered the fray, replacing key starters, including Usain Bolt and Ali G, in a bid to regain control of the match.
However, the changes did not have the desired effect, and Gillingham took the lead in the 69th minute with another well-executed header, this time from a corner kick that caught the Ganja defence off guard. The goal left Ganja FC trailing 2-1, and despite their efforts to respond, they struggled to create clear-cut chances.
In the 53rd minute, Jamie Blanchard received a yellow card, further complicating Ganja's attempts to mount a comeback. As the match drew to a close, Ganja FC made two final substitutions in the 81st minute, bringing on Levi Roots and Kagoro Pasipamire, but it was too little too late.
Ultimately, Ganja FC could not find an equaliser, and the match concluded with Gillingham securing a 2-1 victory. Despite the loss, there were moments of promise from Ganja FC, particularly in the first half, and they will look to build on this performance as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
