Gambia National U-20 (Young Scorpions) have left the shores of the Gambia for the up coming West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Zone A U-20 tournament, Thies 2020. The Young Scorpions left the Smiling Coast on Wednesday 18th November 2020 with the final squad and officials for the two weeks tournament where the Gambia is expected to repeat its 2018 feat as Gold medalists in Liberia.
The tournament is also used by CAF as Zonal Qualifiers for the Total Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
Ahead of the team’s travel to Senegal, Minister of Youth and Sports Hon Bakary Y Badjie accompanied by GFF Officials bade farewell to the team at their final warm up match to the Junior Scorpions (U-23) at the Independence Stadium in Bakau on Tuesday evening where Hon Badjie expressed delight on the progress of the team since its maiden trophy in Liberia 2018. Mr Badjie assured the GFF of his Ministry’s continues support to all National teams. “The future is bright for our sports in this country and as Ambassadors, i urged you to remain and maintain the discipline that our nation is known for”.
GFF 1st Vice President Alh Bakary K Jammeh also expressed delight about the performances of the Young Scorpions during their test matches and hopes that such feat could be replicated at the Thies tournament. “As part of the federation’s football development plan, we will endeavor to support youth and grassroots football and usher you to be professionals who would represent the country across the world”. Mr Jammeh further thanked the technicians for the resources taken to mould and develop the future assest of the country. He also thanked the Gambia government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the continuous support.
SQUAD LIST
GOALKEEPERS
Lamin Saidy – Real De Banjul (Vice captain)
Alagie Saho – BK Milan
Pa Ebou Dampha – Waa Banjul
DEFENDERS
James Gomez – AC Horsens (captain)
Ebou Camara – Waa Banjul
Bakary Jawara – Fortune
Lamin Jawara – Hawks
Habibou Mendy – Brikama United
Modou Manneh – Brikama United
MIDFIELDERS
Tijan Marr – Fortune (vice captain)
Baba Ceesay – Banjul United
Ba Lamin Sowe – Waa Banjul
Adama Kanteh – Latrikunda United
Mass Njie – Hawks
Alagie Kujabi – Team Rhino
Momodou Salieu Jallow – Waa Banjul
Lamarana Jallow – Elite United
Wally Fofana – BK Milan
FORWARDS
Musa Juwara – Boavista
Kajally Drammeh – Real De Banjul
Alagie Gibba – Wallidan
Momodou Bojang – Brikama United
Alieu Barry – Elite United
Team captain James Gomez of AC Horsens in Denmark and Musa Juwara currently on loan to Boavista in Portugal, are included in the squad. Gomez is expected to jet in from his base in Denmark whilst Juwara’s release is pending on his first team commitments.
OFFICIALS
Abdoukarim Sey – Head of Delegation
Mattar M’Boge – Head Coach
Yahya Manneh – Assistant Head Coach
Foday Bah – Assistant Head Coach
George Lobba – Goalkeeper Coach
Dr Karamba Suwareh – Team Doctor
Ebrima Saine – Team Physio
Omar K I Phatty – Kit and Equipment Manager
Amadou O Bah – Media Officer
Pa Suwareh Faye – Team Director
Ebou Secka – Ministry of Youth and Sports