The Scorpions came from 2-nil down to draw 2-2 with Congo Brazzaville in their sixth and final qualifier match played in Marrakech, Morocco on Sunday.
The draw earns The Gambia a spot in the continent’s bi-annual biggest football fiesta with 10 points after six group matches.
Congo made an astonishing start to the match and dominated The Gambia in the midfield, creating numerous goal scoring opportunities.
Striker Makouta gave Congo Brazzaville the lead in the 30th minute of the match from a clinical finish before Ganvoula extended their lead in the 42nd minute from the penalty spot after captain Omar Colley handled the ball inside the eighteen yard-box.
The Gambia reacted quickly for an equalizer but to no avail thus the first half ended 2-0 in favor of Congo Brazzaville.
Upon resumption of the match, The Gambia injected in several fresh legs to reinforce their attacking tag and dominated the Congolese in the midfield, creating some goal scoring opportunities.
Substitute Yankuba Minteh alias Messi who was making his debut for The Gambia pulled back one goal for The Gambia in the 79th minute of the match from a brilliant finish before Muhammed Badamosi levelled matters for the Scorpions in the 90th minute.
The draw earns The Gambia back to back appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Ivory Coast.
The Congolese will now hang their boots until 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
