Gambian stars set for Europa league 2nd leg qualifiers

Gambia footballers in Europe: Dawda Bah, Ousman Jallow, Paul Jatta, Njogu Demba  and Amadou Jawo whose teams made it to the play-offs in the UEFA Europa League will engage opponents in the second leg of the qualifiers tonight.

Dawda Bah's HJK clash against Turkish Besiktas in the UEFA Europa League knockout round struggle has been kept very lively ahead of tonight's return leg clash at the Sonera Stadium.

HJK needed a 2-0 victory to reach the period of extension or a larger score difference to redeem their place in the regional game. The Finnish champions place is at stake for the European League group stage, as none of the Finnish teams has previously reached the group stage.

"We saw the first leg in Istanbul that is a hard task. On the other hand, home ground and public support for providing all opportunities for a successful chase. The team is very hungry," said HJK's Head Coach Antti Muurinen.

HKJ's website stated that the opportunity for club in Finland is unique, because Besiktas team, playing the world's top names, such as three Champions League winner for Real Madrid Guti, the Portuguese national team star, Ricardo Quaresma (Barcelona, Inter, Chelsea) and the Brazilian rising star Bobo, is also a force to reckon with.

Ahead of the encounter, Turkish- Besiktas fans, has booked the entire Sonera Stadium on the northern end, a total of 1600 seats.

Following a 2-0 beating of Sporting Lisbon, Ousman Jallow and Paul Jatta's Brondby are set to host opponents at the Brøndby Stadion, to finish off the Portuguese side with home support.

Gambian compatriot Njogu Demba and OB, who beat Scottish side Motherwell 2-1 in Denmark will be up to defend their lead when they rub shoulders today at the Fir Park in Scotland.

Amadou Jawo and Swedish side Elfsborg, who lost 1-0 away to Italian side Napoli in the first leg are expected to turn down the goal deficit, as they host opponents in the Borås Arena.