By: Bubacarr Fallaboweh
The Gambia U20 has been drawn against France, Korean Republic & Honduras in group F of the U20 World Cup slated for Argentina in May this year.
The young scorpions will be making their second appearance on the global stage following their debut in 2007. The competition will start from 20 May to 11 June.
The Gambia finished as runners-up in CAF U20 in Egypt, and coach Lie Bojang looks forward to a great tournament.
Gambia finished 3rd in the U20 AFCON in Mauritania in 2021 and was set to play in the World Cup that year, but that tournament was canceled due to the Coronavirus global pandemic.
The tournament in 2023 will be hosted by Argentina, who replaced Indonseia following the latter’s removal due to the Bali governor’s refusal to host Israel’s team.
Argentina last hosted the competition in 2001, beating Ghana 3-0 in the finals. In all, the young Albiceleste has won the tournament a record six times.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino pointed out that it is great for Argentina to host the tournament as the country is well-noted for football.
“A country that lives and breathes football will be a tremendous inspiration for the stars of tomorrow,” Infantino stated.
One of the Gambian team captains, Adama Bojang, said they were ready for the competition.
“We are in the preparation; we are pushing bit by bit. The world cup is fierce competition. We are ready for the group. We want to continue from where we left off in the AFCON U20.” Bojang stressed
The Gambia U20 resumes training on 11 April
Coach Abdoulie Bojang has invited three more local-based players, Ebrima Jaiteh (BK Milan), Baboucarr Sallah (Brikama Utd) & Muhammed Jallow (Fortune FC). In addition, RB Leipzig U17 midfielder Nuha Jatta is also training with the team.
Attacking midfielder Muhammed Jobe, who sat out the whole tournament in Egypt, is racing against fitness, whereas Haruna Rashid Njie, who was not part of the final due to suspension, was greatly missed.
Alasana Faye is among the players touted to add to Bojang’s squad. The former CasaSports and now Ararat FC midfielder has great experience, which will benefit the team.
However, Yankuba Minteh, despite making his debut for the senior national team, missed the tournament in Egypt. Nevertheless, he is expected to make the team as the young Scorpion seeks to reach the knockout stages for the second time.
Adama Bojang’s U17 striking partner Mustapha Jah who currently plays for Cluj, is another option for coach Lie Bojang.
On Wednesday, the president of the Republic, His Excellency Adama Barrow, invited the gallant young scorpions to the state house and gave them 5 million dalasis.
His government initially gave the Gambia Football federation Six million for the tournament in Egypt.
