The Gambia’s quest to look for a spot at the World Cup 2022 Qualifiers proper has been dented by its 3-1 aggregate lost to Angola after the Scorpions lost to Palancas Negras at the double header ( home and away). Following their one nil lost at home in Banjul, the Scorpions took off to Luanda to fulfill the return fixture with renewed hopes of making amends but only to be disappointed and crashed out of the contest following their 2-1 lost on Tuesday afternoon.
Angola’s one nil win in Banjul in the first leg decorated the Afcon finalists as favorites to go through although the Gambia coined “Never Give Up” mantra with renewed hope of turning matters away hence the Scorpions’ desire to be counted amongst the countries for the Qatar edition in 2022.
After series of deadly chances in front of goal, Scorpions Assan Ceesay and Lamin Jallow were worried about their ability for not doing what they are good at in the first leg in Banjul with possession dominated by the home side. It was until Mateus Costa whose touch from Italy based Alfredo Ribeiro went under the arms of goal keeper Modou Jobe (Toldo) to settle for a one nil lead until full time.
The Palancas Negras carried the narrowest aggregate margin at home where the Scorpions faced off at the 11th November Stadium in Luanda on Tuesday 10th September to turn the tide. Gambia came all out as inspired by Coach Tom Sainfiet for his charges to push and note for a fight as “the battle is still on” and not over. Angola opened the scoring in the first half through Hermenegildo Bartolomeu after pressure was charged at the Scorpions defense and Goal keeper Modou Jobe succumbed to kneel and watch the ball at his back.
There was still hope for the Scorpions upon second half resumption and quarter way into the game when the “Saint” introduced Fus Rabat striker Muhammed Badamosi and Sweden based Bubacarr Jobe for more firing power up front. The duo’s coming on heralded Scorpions’ intent to find an equalizer and was until a stingy challenge from Badamosi to lethal Assan Ceesay whose neatly shot dropped at the post equal the scoring. This was however short lived because Angola restarted and added the margin 2-1 through Fabio Abreu to seal victory for the Palancas Negras for a 2-1 scoreline and 3-1 on aggregate.
Scorpions Coach Tom Sainfiet at post match presser congratulated Angola for their qualification to the group stages. “Before the draw i didn’t want to play Angola because its a good side”, he said. He noted that the two sides played very well in both legs “but the difference is the efficiency to score goals and Angola was good in possession but we created more chances”. He said the Gambia played very well to score more goals but the Angolan Goal keeper saved great balls. “I think the Goal keeper was the hero because he saved wonderful goals”. He noted that the Gambia didnt make best use of its opportunities. “Angola i think is the mature side and professional and that was the difference between the two sides at both legs”. He thanked his charges for putting up a good fight and encouraged them more while wishing them good luck in their club careers. He said another preparation will be called up shortly ahead of the Afcon Qualifiers in October where the Gambia is been paired with Djibouti for the preliminaries.
