The President of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF), Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo, on Friday congratulated the Young Scorpions for a remarkable achievement in winning the third/fourth place playoffs against Tunisia at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania.

Mr. Bajo made these remarks at the team’s hotel in Nouakchott shortly after the match. “On behalf of The Gambia Football Federation and football lovers in The Gambia, we sincerely applaud your efforts in reaching here. Everyone at home is aware of the consistency and improvement that you’ve shown throughout the tournament and they’re all ready to once again welcome you back home in celebration,” he said.

While acknowledging the potentials in the team, Mr. Bajo assured that the Federation will not relent in its efforts to create the enabling environment for the players to develop and help them become professional footballers and represent the country at the highest level.

“You have a bright career ahead of you and I’m sure very soon you’ll be playing at other clubs and we will be giving all the necessary support along your journey,” Mr. Bajo said, urging the players to be focused and more determined while putting country first as patriotic players. He also thanked the Coach and his technicians as well as the delegation headed by the Second Vice President Mr. Ebou Faye and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for a collective effort.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, the Executive Director of the National Sports Council, Mr. Marcel Mendy applauded the great enthusiasm showed by the team while acknowledging the chemistry amongst the players and staff. He also reminded the team that a great compensatory reward awaits them upon return to Banjul.

Head Coach Mattar M’Boge expressed gratitude to the Federation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their relentless support to get to this point, which he described as phenomenal.

At the end of the event, the team observed a minute silence in memory of fallen legends Alhaji Momodou Njie (Biri Biri), Peter Bonu Johnson, Ousman Saho and Sulayman Kuyateh.