The newly established Gambia National U-17 team came from behind to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against the National U-20 team as part of a friendly game played at the Box Bar Mini-stadium in Brikama, yesterday.
The Baby Scorpions led by the team's Assistant Coach Lamin Sambou following the absence of Head Coach Tarik Siagy had a perfect start to the game, particularly in the first period but conceded an early goal when Steve Biko striker Alasana Camara drilled home a superb header from Alieu Darboe's delivery.
Moments later, the two time African U-17 champions leveled the score, thanks to a wonderful long range shot from Steve Biko youngster Saikou Sidibeh mid-way through the second period before they added their second goal a few minutes to break, courtesy of Yusupha Njie's doubler from the penalty spot.
That penalty came as a result of a hefty challenge from Real De Banjul Vice-Captain Saikou Jawara on GPA star Saloum Faal and Njie wasted no time to fire home from a spot kick before a capacity crowd in Western Region.
The U-17 team continued to dominate the match in both intervals, but their hope of walking away with a victory was dashed when they conceded their second goal of the game through Ebrima Camara close to stoppage time.
Both teams are preparing for their respective qualifying campaigns. The Gambia National U-17 team will travel to face Morocco in Rabat on the weekend of August 27th aiming to book their place in the 9th African U-17 Championship, to be held in Rwanda in 2011.
The U-20 team will on the other hand play host to Sierra Leone in the African U-20 Orange Championship on the 24th July, at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
