Gambia Coach Matarr M’Boge has remarked that his Young Scorpions are very much prepared to win a medal in the third and fourth place playoffs when they take on Tunisia at the African U-20 Cup of Nations on Friday 5th March 2021 in Nouachott at 4pm.
The Gambians, that finished third at the 2007 edition, narrowly lost 1-0 to Ghana in the semifinals, thus dashing their hopes of reaching the weekend finals. The Young Scorpions however, are presented with the perfect opportunity to equal their highest ever finish in the competition.
“It’s not where we wanted to be but when we reflect and analyze the tournament so far, it’s the highest level that the country has played and for us to come to this level, we’re very proud of the boys,” M’Boge said at a pre-match press conference.
“This is another opportunity for us to make up for the mistakes in the last game and show the world the best version of The Gambia. We’re not taking it lightly because we know that Tunisia is an outstanding team. So, we’re going to respect them, be focused and give our best in the match and add the medal to our cabin. We don’t want to be here and that’s the truth, but we’re and there’s no other choice but to win and go home with a medal.”
The former Real de Banjul and ex-Gambia U-17 gaffer disclosed that he’s received a lot of messages from agents that are interested in signing the boys. He expressed optimism that at the end of the tournament, most of them will earn professional contracts, which he described as the biggest achievement and his primary objective heading into the competition.
For his part, Habibou Mendy, the longest serving member of the team, is optimistic of grabbing another medal before his graduation from the team. While expressing gratitude to his Coach, technical staff and players, the full back assured Gambians of his teammates’ readiness to deliver victory, thus calling on Gambians to not lose hope in them. “My dream is to sign a professional contract in a top European league, preferably Real Madrid and also continue representing my country to play for the senior national team,” he asserted.