U-20 AFCON: Gambia Defeat Tunisia As Benin, Zambia Settle For Draw

U-20 AFCON: Gambia Defeat Tunisia As Benin, Zambia Settle For Draw

By Niyi Busari

The Gambia secured a 1-0 victory over Tunisia in Alexandria courtesy of a late Alagie Saine header to temporarily send the Young Scorpions to the summit of Group C.

Abdoulie Bojang's Young Scorpions dominated possession against the Young Carthage Eagles in the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Group C clash on Tuesday afternoon.

The match was a repeat of the third place match in 2021 which the Young Scorpions won on penalties in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

The match saw both sides trying to start the play from behind as they build-up to the midfield and spread it around the wide areas.

The West Africans who are appearing at their fourth TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament started the better side with Mahmud Bajo, Haruna Rasid Njie and Alieu Gibba dictating the flow of the contest.

The first half saw neither side able to register a shot on goal but it was the Young Scorpions who had the first attempt of the match through Hawks FC left back Sainey Sanyang.

The 19-year-old flashed a shot wide from distance but his well struck effort couldn't hit the target midway through the first half.

Steve Biko forward Adama Bojang who is in goal scoring form in the Gambia league led the attack with support from ex Real de Banjul wingers Ebrima Singhateh and Kajally Drammeh.

Bojang connected to ball over the top in the Tunisia area before placing an inviting cross towards Alieu Gibba who couldn't make contact.

The second half saw both sides make changes to try and effect the match.

But it was Gambia who had the best opportunity after 70 minutes through Rasid Njie. The Gunjur midfielder headed over Sainey Sanyang's cross.

Tunisia held their own but they were found out six minutes from normal time when Saine headed in Sanyang's delivery in off the post to secure The Gambia all three points.

The Gambia won bronze twice in their three previous participations in the tournament.

Meanwhile, in the second game on Tuesday, Zambia and Benin Republic settled for draw to get one point each.

Rodolfo Aloko and Rickson Ng'ambi were both on target as Benin Republic and Zambia played out a 1–1 draw in the second group C match. With the results, Gambia are top with three points while Tunisia occupied the last spot with zero point. Benin Republic and Zambia are in second and third positions respectively.