AFCON-20 AFCON U20: The Gambia Stuns Nigeria To Reach Final In Cairo

After defeating goliaths Nigeria 1-0 on Monday night in Cairo, ten-man Gambia secured its place in the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Adama Bojang, the star of the Young Scorpions, scored the lone goal that guaranteed Gambia’s unprecedented qualification for the final.

Despite defender Haruna Njie being sent off in the 90th minute of the semifinal match for receiving a second yellow card, the Baby Scorpions managed to hold on and achieve their narrow triumph.

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On Saturday, March 11 at 19:00 local time (17:00 GMT) at the Cairo International Stadium, Gambia will square off against Senegal, one of their neighbors.

The Anglophone derby played up to its title in the capital of Egypt, with Nigeria aiming to book a spot in yet another final and Gambia hoping to make their final debut. After seven minutes, Adama Bojang of the Gambia scored against the flow of play when Ebrima Singhateh deflected a pass into his path. Bojang then slid the ball past the defenseless Chijioke Aniagboso.

Despite having the most of possession, Abdoulie Bojang’s Young Scorpions hung on to maintain a slim lead against the Flying Eagles at halftime.

Pa Ebou Dampha, the goalkeeper who won TotalEnergies Player of the Match, was crucial to The Gambia’s historic triumph.

Against the Flying Eagles, the WAA Banjul FC goalkeeper was outstanding in his domain, winning all aerial balls.

Five minutes from the end, the occupied goalie gave up a penalty when Ahmed Abdullahi was hampered by his challenge.

The penalty kick by Abdullahi was blocked by the post, and the Young Scorpions were able to advance to their first-ever TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations final despite the setback.

After Haruna Rasid Njie of Gambia was ejected in the 89th minute for an improper gesture, the score remained at ten.

Gambia, which has won the bronze medal twice (in 2007 and 2021), is already performing better after making it to the final, where it will compete against Senegal to try to capture the gold medal for the first time.

Rashid Njie received a second caution, and the Gambia played the final few minutes of the game with 10 men.

In a rematch of the WAFU-A qualifying competition in Mauritania, which Senegal won thanks to Samba Diallo’s diving header, the Baby Scorpions will take on Malick Daf’s Senegal.

The Gambia will compete in the 2023 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations for the fourth time, and they have advanced to the semifinals in three of those competitions.


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