After an unsuccessful campaign in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria, there has been an intense criticism regarding the team's poor display in FIFA's third biggest tournament which has now entered in its final stage in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Fifteen year-old U-17 left back who could not hold down a regular first team place with the U-17 team, Ismaila Sawaneh, has joined a host of football pundits to admit that the reason behind the team's early exit from the championship was no other than late preparation.
"Late preparation was the reason behind our failure in Nigeria because we were only given three weeks to prepare which took us three week intensive preparatory programme in the United Kingdom and that had made things difficult for us to realise our dreams of achieving glory," the young left back admitted.
Responding to the question posed by Pointsport's reporter regarding his failure to appear for the Baby Scorpions in three consecutive World Cup matches, Ismaila said he was quite happy to earn himself a call to the national team, pointing out that the selection was left to the discretion of Coach.
"I always try to improve on my performance at the training ground but the final decision is taken by the Coach. I can only try to improve and wait for my turn and hopefully by the grace of the Almighty Allah, it will come one day," the Gambia Ports Authority left back was quoted as saying.
The young lad further seized the opportunity to appeal to the Gambians to continue supporting the team, despite their early exits from the championship.
The 15-year-old is currently preparing to represent Serrekunda West in the upcoming Baby Muhammed Jammeh Perpetual Zonals Football Championship, slated for 21st of this month.