The Gambia has made a turning point following its comeback to beat Sierra Leone 2-1 at Tuesday’s final Group A game in the ongoing WAFU Zone A U20 tournament. Having kicked off their campaign on a rather rough start to Senegal in a 5-1 defeat, the young Scorpions had only a winning game plan alternative to secure a spot in order to progress to the next stage.

First half ended barren after a fair share of possession for both ends although the Gambia had better goal chances. Second half resumption saw Adama Kanteh opened the scoring for the Young Scorpions after firing a thunderous shot 51st minute from Lamarana Jallow’s assist outside the penalty area that affected hope before Momodou Bojang’s skillful and brilliant notch passed the opponent’s defense for a second goal in 87th minutes.

Bojang’s goal for the Young Scorpions lightened their hope for a qualification berth to the next stage of the tournament. Sierra Leone parched in a consolation goal in just a few minutes to the final whistle to make it 2-1. The results 2-1 in favor of the Gambia means the Young Scorpions have progressed to the Semi finals of the tournament and would face off the winner between Bissau and Guinea who would be running shoulders on Wednesday 25th November 2020 at Stade Lat Dior.

Speaking to Journalist at a press conference, A delighted Head Coach Mattar Mboge expressed pride with the solid performance of his charges describing it as “heroic”. Mboge said he was not caught by surprise. “I watched every second, every minute of their game and analyzed them well to better prepare the boys because we needed the win to qualify. It’s very difficult coming from a tough experience in the defeat against the host to do such a performance like this shows you how hungry the boys are, they are like wounded lions that needed to put all their strength in this game and thankfully, we have achieved our goal” he expressed.

Mboge highlighted that the team will regroup and work harder to face any opponent that comes their way in the tournament. Gambia Football Federation 1st Vice President Alh Bakary K Jammeh, and Events Management Committee Chairman Willy Abraham who both watched the game, expressed delight at the performance of the Young Scorpions and assured them of the nation’s support.

By: Sainabou Jasseh