U20 AFCON: Dampha Eyes Derby Victory Over Senegal After Heroic Display Against Nigeria

U20 AFCON: Dampha Eyes Derby Victory Over Senegal After Heroic Display Against Nigeria

By Tunde David

Gambia goalkeeper Pa Ebou Dampha has set his sights on the final against neighbor Senegal after his outstanding display earned this country their first ever U20 AFCON final ticket on Monday night, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Pa Ebou Damphanamed who was the player of the match for the clash against the Flying Eagles in the semi-finals was in great form for the Young Scorpions at the Cairo International Stadium.

The young goalkeeper said qualifying for their first U20 Africa Cup of Nations final is an extraordinary feeling for him and team-mates.

Adama Bojang scored the all important goal on seven minutes but Abdoulie Bojang's charges needed Dampha as he made a crucial save in the second half.

“It is extraordinary and indescribable what we are going through and what we achieved," Dampha said after the match.

Dampha conceded a penalty for a challenge on Ahmed Abdullahi five minutes from time but he made himself big in the resulting spot kick as Abdullahi fired against the post.

"I'm proud to be Gambian, proud of our solidarity on the pitch and proud of the coach," the emotional Pa Ebou Dampha said.

The Gambia finished the match with ten men following Haruna Rashid Njie's sending off late on.

They will now face Senegal in the final of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2023 on Saturday, 11 March at the Cairo International Stadium.

"We are in the final, we are there now, we have to win this derby against Senegal. Gambia and Senegal are the same country," he added.