Africa representatives Gambia were tossed out of the U20 Fifa World Cup after falling to a 1-0 defeat against Uruguay in their round of 16 fixture at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades on Thursday.

After putting up a brave fight to manage a 0-0 draw in the first half, Gambia under coach Abdoulai Bojang caved in the 65th minute when Anderson Duarte scored what turned out to be the winner for Uruguay.

However, Gambia were the better side in the opening exchanges but things got worse in the 17th minute when Mansour Mbye was sent off for a clumsy challenge.

Mbye’s exit allowed Uruguay to take advantage of the numerical numbers and they turned the game in their favour with a flurry of attacks but Gambia goalkeeper Pa Ebou Dampha kept them out.

Minutes before the half-time break, Uruguay were also reduced to 10 men when Luciano Rodriguez, who plays for Liverpool, was sent off. In the second half, Uruguay continued to knock on Gambia’s goal and they were rewarded in the 65th minute when Duarte slammed home a cross from Franco Gonzalez.

The African side, who were in Group F, kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 victory against Honduras, defeated France 2-1, and drew 0-0 with South Korea in their final group fixture.

Uruguay will now meet the USA in the quarter-finals at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades on Monday. USA sailed into the last eight after defeating New Zealand 4-0 at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.