Gambia have been guaranteed top spot in Group C of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations but head coach Abdoulie Bojang says winning against Benin would be important.

The Young Scorpions beat Tunisia 1-0 in their opening group match at the Alexandria Stadium before seeing off Zambia 2-0 to secure an unassailable lead in Group C.

Gambia are coached by one the country’s most respected trainers in former international and Steve Biko maestro Abdoulie Bojang.

Bojang was in charge of the U-17 Baby Scorpions before taking up the U-20 following the departure of Mattar M’Boge.

M’Boge led the West Africans to their second bronze medal finish in 2021 in Mauritania and now the new man in charge wants to maintain the winning spirit.

“It would be very important to keep winning,” Bojang said at his pre-match press conference in Alexandria.

“There can be no room for complacency. We will treat Benin like any other team.”

Bojang kept faith with the same starting lineup in the first two matches but hinted at possible changes for tomorrow’s match against Benin who have two points in the group.

“Obviously, we have players with cards and knocks who will be rested, an opportunity to give others some minutes to exhibit their talents too,” he added.

“Every player in the squad is important but every 18-man squad for each match depends on the tactical approach of that game.”

Ba Lamin Sowe is one of the surviving members of the Young Scorpions team that won bronze at the last edition of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania.

The youngster joined Spanish side Tenerife before joining up with his international teammates.

“We are here to compete and win matches irrespective of who we play,” the WAA Banjul utility player said.

“We are motivated to deliver and develop our future careers in this tournament because it is a rare opportunity.

“There is huge unity in our team from the players, officials, government, the federation and Gambians are all behind us. 

“So we play to win, develop our careers and set our own records,” Sowe added.

The Young Scorpions will face the third placed team from Group B in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.