Gambia defeated Seychelles 5-1 at the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco on Saturday evening to claim their first win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Goals from Mohamed Badamosi [two], Musa Barrow, Yankuba Minteh and Adama Sidibeh secured the first three points for the Scorpions in Group F, though they remained in fifth place – six points off the pace set by leaders Cote d’Ivoire.

As for the Pirates, they have zero points from three matches, though Ryan Henriette at least managed to score their first goal of the campaign.

Gambia took control of the game early on and claimed the lead just 10 minutes after the kick-off via Mohamed Badamosi, who was assisted by Omar Gaye.

However, Seychelles were able to hit back just four minutes later, with a strike from Ryan Henriette making it 1-1.

And the Pirates were able to frustrate their ‘hosts’ through the remainder of the first half, ensuring the teams were level at the break.

The Scorpions were much improved in the second stanza and reclaimed the lead via a Musa Barrow penalty in the 52nd minute.

And they quickly added to their advantage, with Yankuba Minteh finding the back of the net on 55 minutes to make it 3-1 and open up some daylight between the teams.

Around the midway point of the second half, Gambia struck again through Badamosi to extend their lead to 4-1 and effectively secure the victory.

There was still time left for substitute Adama Sidibeh to make it 5-1 in the 78th minute, as the Scorpions turned on the style in the final phase of the match.

The teams will return to action on Tuesday 11 June with Seychelles at ‘home’ to Burundi in Berkane, while Gambia will visit Gabon in Franceville.

Gambia (1) 5 (M. Badamosi 10’, 66, M. Barrow 52’ pen, Y. Minteh 55’, A. Sidibeh 78’)

Seychelles (1) 1 (R. Henriette 14’)

Gambia: S. Sibi, M. Badamosi (A. Sidibeh 67’), M. Barrow (A. Sanyang 80’), Y. Bobb (E. Adams 68’), E. Ceesay, O. Colley, A. Fadera, O. Gaye, A. Manneh, Y. Minteh (M. Bajo 80’), M. Sanneh

Seychelles: I. Ah-Kong, M. Cissoko, J. Gamatice (L. Hoareau 77’), C. Hausi, R. Henriette (J. Joubert 77’), B. Labrosse (T. Cadeau 77’), B. Marie, W. Mellie, M. Payet, I. Raheriniaina, G. Waye-Hive (E. Sopha 90’)

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com