The Gambia secured a hard fought 2-1 victory against Somalia at home on Friday 25th September 2026 in the opening leg of the Scorpions TotalEnergies CAF Afcon PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers. The win marked the Scorpions return to the Independence Stadium after six years of absence in front of their home fans.
Mesmerizing forward Ebrima Colley opened the scoring for the Gambia when he converted a spot kick in the 18th Minute after Abubakar Barry was brought down in the box. The Gambia continued its dominance of ball possession but could not increase the tally.
Somalia however restored parity in the 72nd minute through Bilai Njie Cali a Somali player of Gambian descent who slotted in a loose ball to the bottom right corner. The Gambia responded through substitute Muhammed Badamosi who rose high to Sulayman Camara’s diving cross and headed in Gambia’s second of the night in the 83rd minute to seal victory for the Scorpions.
The packed Independence Stadium went into wild jubilation as the Gambia’s return to home football proved to be a satisfactory start
The match was witnessed by the Chief Patron of Gambian football President Adama Barrow, accompanied by the first family and cabinet ministers. The win has earned the Gambia three points with a game to play on Tuesday in Match Day away to Ghana on Tuesday 29th September in Accra.
