By: Fatou Dahaba
President Adama Barrow on Monday received The Gambia’s U-17 Scorpions at State House, praising the team for winning the WAFU A championship in Senegal and securing a place at the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. In recognition of the achievement, he presented the squad with a D2 million cheque.
The young Scorpions arrived with the WAFU A trophy after a successful campaign that ended in a tense final in Dakar, decided on penalties. Their victory has been widely celebrated as a major milestone for Gambian football and a sign of growing strength at youth level.
The State House reception also underscored government backing for sports development, especially football, with officials pointing to continued investment in infrastructure and youth programs.
Minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Badjie said the visit marked both a celebration of victory and recognition of the team’s effort. “His Excellency did appreciate the coming of the national team, but also the fact that they went to Senegal, did so well and became the WAFWA champions,” he said. Qualification for AFCON 2027, he added, was a source of pride for the entire country.
Badjie said the D2 million award showed the government’s willingness to reward success and encourage excellence. The gesture, he noted, also acknowledged everyone involved, from players and technical staff to football authorities.
Head coach Yaya Manneh called the occasion a proud moment for the team and the nation, while stressing the need for sustained support. “Everything starts with investment. The investment determines the outcome of the tournament,” he said, crediting the ministry, the Football Federation and Gambian supporters.
Manneh said the team is now focused on the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and will need even greater backing as preparations intensify. Assurances from President Barrow and the sports minister had encouraged the players, he said, and they were determined to meet expectations.
One of the biggest lessons from the tournament, Manneh added, was the importance of mentality. After earlier difficulties, the squad underwent a psychological shift. Technical staff analysis showed players needed stronger mental preparation, an improvement that proved decisive and will shape AFCON planning.
Speaking for the players, Sambujang Daffeh thanked the government and Gambians for their support throughout the tournament. That backing, he said, had been vital to the team’s performance, and he hoped it would continue as the young Scorpions prepare for the finals in Morocco.
