AFRICAN NATIONS CUP: Gambia reach the finals in historic fashion

Photo courtesy of Alhagie Manka - state of mic

By Abdoulie Bah

Gabon and The Gambia are the latest to join the finalists in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

The Scorpions made sure of a top two finish in Group D after a 1-0 win in Banjul, where FC Zurich forward and leading scorer Assan Ceesay netted in the second half, while Gabon’s convincing 3-0 victory at home to DR Congo was enough to ensure both the Panthers and the Scorpions will finish in the top two in Group D going into the last round of matches.

Gambia will go to the finals in Cameroon in 2022 for the first time in history. The Scorpions have 10 points and share top spot with the Gabonese who had Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the score sheet on Wednesday.

Ajman’s Bubacarr ‘Steve’ Trawally was again a major influence in the win for Gambia, just as it were in the previous matches against Gabon and Angola.

His 46th minute introduction instantly shake up things following a drab and barren opening half at the independence stadium. His marvelous second half provider set up Abdoulie Jallow whose shot was poorly parried away by the Angolan keeper, falling unbelievably kindly in front of poacher Assan Ceesay’s feet, who had the goal gaping at his mercy for the winner. It’s a party atmosphere currently in the streets of Banjul, Serekunda and across the West African country, the smallest in mainland Africa with less than 3 million population.

More reporting to follow…