Young scorpions opened their WAFU title defense championship with a one all draw against francophone counterparts Mali Monday 25th November, 2019 in Match Day Two of the Youth Championship in Conakry.
The team was at shock when Captain Matarr Ceesay came down bleeding from a collision in the early minutes of the game that many thought he may not make it but the captain insisted to play and fight to defend his trophy.
Moments later, The captain put the Gambia in front of the score sheet after a great build up from the midfield that he connected to an already running Momodou Bojang on the wings who wasted no time in crossing the ball straight to the Captain that positioned a great bandaged header into the net at 32nd minute.
Forwards Momodou Bojang, Buba Jammeh, Lamin Saidykhan and Tijan Marr all had their share of opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Second half saw the young scorpions mostly stretched off as they received tackles from a physical Mali side under the humid atmosphere and temperature.
Seydou Kone came from the bench to level the scores when the Guinean Referee (Camara Tawel) whistled for a penalty at the edge of added on time which he made no mistake in converting it to equal the scoring.
Reacting to the game in a post Match press conference, Coach Matarr Mboge noted that the game plan was to attack and score goals that worked in the first half. “We are happy that in the first half we got a goal. Our message has been to keep going and keep scoring, to play as if we are one nil down even if we are leading. I am not 100% happy with the result but proud of their performance today”, Mboge said.
He however assured that they the team use the positives and learn from the lessons ahead of the id week game to Liberia on Wednesday.
The Young Scorpions gaffer praised his captain Mattar Ceesay describring him as a “fighter and a great leader”. He said the GAF mid fielder is a deserved recipient of the Man of the Match award.
Team Gambia Head of delegation, Mr Abdou Karim Sey expressed delight from the performance of the boys. He urged them to be hungry for goals and heighten intensity in their games as they campaign to defend their title.
Also speaking to the Press after receiving his Man of the Match Award, Team Captain Matarr Ceesay expressed delight for the award. “We are focused and serious about defending the title”. He however noted that despite not so happy with the result but “we will do better in the coming games and i urged Gambians to continue their support to us”.
Young scorpions will be back in action against Liberia on Wednesday 27th November 2019 to round up their Group B games.