Gambia takes out Nigeria and finally snatches its final!

After its failures at the same stage of the competition in 2007 and 2021, The Gambia finally holds its final at the CAN U20! This Monday, the Scorpions dismissed Nigeria, the most successful selection in the history of the tournament (7 coronations), in the semi-finals (1-0) in Cairo. Saturday, the grand final will therefore offer a derby against Senegal, executioner a little earlier of Tunisia (3-0).

THE GAMBIA ARE IN THE #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 FINAL FOR THE FIRST-EVER TIME! @TheGambiaFF pic.twitter.com/W4jAq3LW2C

— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) March 6, 2023

The game couldn’t have started better for Abdoulie Bojang’s foals! From the 7^e minute, Ebrima Singhateh intercepted a ball with a header and Adama Bojang was quicker than the opposing central defense to seize it and go to adjust goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso to score a goal full of composure, his 4^e of the tournament.

To the Gambians efficiency and to the Nigerians domination. With more than 61% possession and 21 shots attempted (only 4 on target) against 3 for their opponent, we can indeed say that the Flying Equals tried everything, especially after the entry of Ahmed Abdullahi at the break. But the number nine failed to square his header on the hour mark, then his friend Benjamin Fredrick then stumbled on defender Alagie Saine and goalkeeper Pa Ebou Dampha on a huge double chance in the middle of the box .

Nigeria fails on penalty!

Above all, after recourse to the VAR, the referee whistled a penalty for a foul by goalkeeper Pa Ebou Dampha, who had caught Abdullahi’s foot with his hand. The La Gantoise striker wanted to do himself justice, but he sent his attempt on the post (85^e)! For their part, despite the expulsion of midfielder Haruna Njie for a second warning in the 89^e minute, the Gambians held on and finally won their place in the final, confirming their progress in all categories in recent years.

Nigeria-Gambia line-ups

Nigeria 🆚 The Gambia

Here’s how teams will line up today in the Cairo Stadium. 📋✅#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #NGAGAM pic.twitter.com/SUSCBDypTd

— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) March 6, 2023