The Young Scorpions on Friday defeated Tunisia 4-2 on a post-match penalty shootout to win its second bronze medal at the African U-20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania.
The regulation time of the third/fourth place playoffs ended in a goalless stalemate and Gambian keeper Lamin Saidy proved the hero, saving two penalties from the Tunisians to ensure his side equal their best ever finish at the competition, following in the footsteps of the 2007 generation.
Captain Tijan Muhammed Marr also saved his best performance of the tournament to the day with a scintillating display of technical ability; a performance reminiscent of former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez.
Speaking in a post-match press conference, Head Coach Matarr M’Boge was full of praises for his players for their relentless efforts, consistency and commitment throughout the journey culminating with yesterday’s match. “I’m very proud of my boys. We have really struggled all the way here with difficulties and I’m sure not many would have predicted after losing to Morocco in the first game that Gambia will end up going to the semifinals and even winning the bronze medal,” he said.
The gaffer also thanked The Gambia Football Federation through its President Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo, the government and the Moroccan football federation for their tireless efforts in supporting his team to reach to this level.
On the cancellation of the World Cup, M’Boge and his Tunisian counterpart both appealed to FIFA and CAF to reconsider their decision and give an opportunity to the players to achieve a lifetime dream of playing at a global stage, noting that too much efforts were galvanized to reach this level.
“This is the only opportunity for these players to play in an U-20 World Cup. We are honestly desperate to see these boys at that highest level whatever it takes. So, we really implore on FIFA and CAF leaderships to really find a solution because the four teams that have got here deserve it. There’s so much talent in them, they’ve played the best in Africa and now we want to play against the top in the world, it aids their development,” they both echoed.