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Gambia U-17 Team Returns From Nigeria

Nov 3, 2009, 3:33 PM | Article By: Lamin Drammeh

In what could be referred to as  their worst performances in the FIFA U-17 World Cup following three (3) unimpressive run of form in Calabar, Nigeria, where they conceded two consecutive defeats in the group stage of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup, the Gambia National U-17 team on Monday afternoon returned home from Nigeria after taking part in their second FIFA U-17 World Cup appearances scoring three (3) goals,  two of which came courtesy of Lanky Striker and team captain Ebrima Bojang, who has recently put pen to paper on a four-year professional contracts with the French Lique 1 side St Etienne and the other from Samger left back Lamin Sarjo Samateh, who is described by many as the most outstanding player in the Gambian side, despite making his first international outing.

The 21-man squad headed by Coach Tarik Siagy, including officials arrived at the Banjul International Airport some minutes after twelve before heading to their respective homes.

And the future of Gambian football at the U-17 category remains the topic of discussion among the Gambian fans, who were the least impressed with the team’s poor showing in Nigeria and have since called on the GFA to put necessary measures in place to put an end to what they described as late preparation.

The Baby Scorpions despite enduring some frustrating moments prior to the tournament were highly tipped to make a huge impact, but the two time African champions have turned to be the biggest disappointment as a result of the lack of inexperience, collectivity, composure, poor defending, as well as some poor finishing which eventually led to their early exist from the FIFA's third biggest tournament in Nigeria with only a single point at their disposal.

In attendance at the Airport was the Secretary-General of the Gambia Football Association, Jammeh E.K Bojang including other high dignitaries.