Musa Barrow scorer of the Gambian goal
By Mohamed Fajah Barrie in Douala
The Gambia continue to make history at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon as they’ve reached the quarter-final stage in their appearance at the finals.
The Scorpions defeated Guinea’s Syli national 1-0 in the round of 16 in Bafoussam on Monday.
Italy-based Musa Barrow got the goal in the 71st minute after picking up a pass and ran through defenders to slot the ball home from inside the box beating the Guinean goalie Aly Keita.
Guinea thought they had equalised when Ibrahima Sory Conte who was sent off three minutes into stoppage time finished a cross but was ruled offside.
The Syli nationale created several scoring chances hitting the post twice but the Scorpions who too finished the game with ten men following the dismissal of Yusupha Njie held on for a famous victory that will never be forgotten.
The Gambia ranked 150th in the world, the lowest rated side in the tournament, have not yet lost a match as they recorded victories against Mauritania and Tunisia as well as draw with Mali in the group stage.
The Scorpions will face hosts Cameroon in the last eight in Douala on Saturday.
The Indomitable Lions narrowly defeated 10-man Comoros 2-1 in a match that was overshadowed by reports that at least six people have been killed and dozens injured in a crush outside the stadium.
Toko Ekambi gave Cameroon the lead in the 29th minute and the tournament’s top goal scorer so far Vincent Aboubakar got the second in the 70th minute to take his tally to six goals.
Youssouf M’Changama netted a remarkable free-kick to give Comoros who saw an early red card after Nadjim Abdou was expelled for a dangerous foul a respectable exit in the tournament.
Comoros played the match without a recognised goalkeeper and other key players due to Covid-19 issues.
Left-back Chaker Alhadhur who did well between the posts featured in the match as stand-in goalkeeper.