The 2009 Muhammed Yahya Jammeh Zonal Cup final between the defending champions Bakau and Serrekunda East was brought to a premature end amid chaotic scenes with the latter leading 1-0 on Sunday.

Scores of people were injured after a bitter rivalry between the two zones sparked clashes during and after the aborted game. Supporters repeatedly invaded the pitch at Serrekunda West mini-stadium, and stones and other objects were thrown at officials and police leaving dozen fans wounded.

The violence overflowed onto the surrounding and erupted up to several metres away from the stadium, with serious injuries and several confrontations between police and the mob. The coveted trophy had looked set to be heading to Serrekunda East's way for the first time in many years when striker Ousman Touray opened the scoring in the 30th minute. The Bakau side, in their bid for a record third title, rallied and fought back with several missed chances, the closest coming from star striker Assan Jatta.

However, it was a sad end to a fiery contest that had promised much, but had descended into acrimony over the course of the 71st minutes. Referee Papa Gassama halted the match when he was alerted by the fourth official that his assistant referee was been stoned at by some fans at the far end of the pitch.

Security officials rushed to the scene to distance the standing fans from the perimeter fence, but before they could put the area under control, a bitter fracas erupted on the main pitch involving players of the two teams. The Serrekunda East diminutive striker, Buba Jallow, alias Meles, was at the centre of controversy when was spotted placing what looked like a "juju" in the Bakau goal post and his opponents descended on him before the teeming supporters around the stadium sent the situation beyond control.

The players and officials of both teams were trapped at the middle of the pitch for more than half-of-an-hour as clashes continued in and outside the stadium. The game was eventually abandoned and the Organising Committee is now awaiting the referee's report before making a decision.