Gambian teenage star Yankuba Minteh has said team Gambia are ready to face African champions Senegal in their African Cup of Nations opener. 

The Scorpions will battle it out with the Lions of Teranga next Monday (15 Jan) at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

The match will be seen by many as a derby between neighbours and an opportunity to seal a marker in Group C.

Mineth, 19, who was 3-years-old the last time the Gambia senior team played Senegal in 2008, said they are not scared of Senegal. 

Speaking to reporters at the Banjul International Airport after arriving from the Scorpions training camp in Saudi Arabia, Minteh said they will give respect to their opponents but they will not intimidated. 

“We are not taking it easy because we know they are not easy opponents. We are ready for them and I know they are ready for us. Because it’s a big game and it’s a derby game, it’s a neighbouring thing and it will not be easy.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba