GAM FOOTBALL NEWS:
Gambian Coach Tapha Manneh is optimistic about the chances of The Gambia’s Under 20 side in the semi final of the 2018 WAFU Cup against Ivory Coast in Liberia this afternoon.
The Young Scorpions, who have seen off the likes of Senegal and Guinea Conakry in the group stages of the eight team regional tournament organised by the West African Football Association (WAFU), are set for an intriguing semi-final tie at the Samuel K Doe stadium in the Liberian Capital Monrovia, against the Young Elephants of Ivory Coast, who were a last minute inclusion in the competition as replacement for Cape Verde, after they withdrew in the last minute over claims of financial difficulties.
The young Gambians coached by Matarr A Mboge, surprised the odds to finish second in what was dubbed the group of death (group B), after drawing their first two games against Guinea and Senegal 1-1, 0-0 respectively, followed by last Sunday’s 1-0 win over Mali, who finished top of the group after beating both Senegal and Guinea in their opening two games.
In speaking to Gam Football’s Radio and TV hosts Lamin Barrow and Mbaye Camara, Gambian coach Tapha Manneh, who is currently based in Liberia, coaching LPL champions Liscr FC, expressed his confidence in the Young Scorpions and their chances to make the final of the competition, which began last month, describing the team as a very organised defensively, and their achievement in the competition so far as great, for which he said they deserve commendation for coming through the ‘group of death’.
Mr Manneh said The Gambia is well known for its junior category teams and thus no one can rule this junior team out.
“We are expecting a lot from the Gambia and we expect a good game for the team, to ensure they progress to the next stage,” said the former Gamtel coach.
“The Gambia is well known the junior categories and that’s why no one can rule Gambia out.” A sentiment echoed by Bakary B Baldeh, the media officer for the Gambia Football Federation, who in a recent catch-up, said the Gambia’s problem is the transition or the continuity to get youth rank footballers from the junior ranks to seniors, but added: “we are among the best in Africa’s Youth Football.”
Mr Manneh continued by giving his backing for the young Gambians to see off their Ivorian counterparts and said hopes are high in the camp.
“The team has been improving over the course of the tournament, thereby producing some new things on each passing game,” said Manneh before thanking the team’s coach and his technical staff, who he said are doing everything day can to ensure the team gets the required result.
The team will take on the Ivorians this afternoon at 3.30pm local time. And ahead of the tie, they made quick visit to the office of the Liberian President and one time World Football of the year George Oppong Weah yesterday, who congratulated them for coming this far. Hopefully that historical moment can inspire them to oust the Ivorians.
