By: Ebrima KB Sonko
The captain of the history-making Gambia U-20 team, Alagie Saine, has expressed delight after reaching the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations U-20 final for the first time in the country’s history.
The AC Horsens defender, Alagie Saine, 20, enthused that coach Abdoulie Bojang’s charges are “focus” on the Saturday 11 final against the arch and close-door neighbors Senegal.
“We are happy, and we celebrate together, and Gambians are also happy that we qualify for the final for the first time; we are so happy. But this history is passed; we will face Senegal in the final, so our focus is Senegal,” Alagie Saine.
He told Alkamba Times sports that the boys are astatic following their nail-biting 1-0 win over their West African counterpart, Nigeria, in the semi-finals.
“We are happy, we are so happy, and I know the Gambians are happy for this tournament. This is the first time we have qualified for the final. I can see the boys dancing; even today, we went to the pool and had fun, but it is time for business now.”
Saine, featured in the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations U-20 team of the group stage, said that the Young Scorpions would respect Senegal even though they would like to continue setting the records.
“We are not going to disrespect them, and we are fully focussing on this final, and we are going to set a record, and this record is going to continue, and the boys are very prepared for this final,” Captain Alagie said.
The 20-year-old defender has played every available minute in the Egypt, Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations U-20 tournament helping the Gambia to keep a clean sheet in all their matches.
Undoubtedly, Alagie Saine has impressed in the CAF youth tournament. The confident Gambia U-20 captain said he wouldn’t be surprised if his satisfactory performance earned him a call to the senior national team for the double-legged match qualifier against Mali.
“No, I will not be surprised because this is the senior team, and I want to be there also.” Alagie Saine stresses.
