Gambian fans are hoping for victory ahead of a historic Senegal-Gambia AFCON derby.

The Gambia will take on Senegal today at 2pm in their Africa Cup of Nations opening game which has already generated tons of excitement across the common border with each nation’s fans teasing one and another. 

But this first encounter between the two countries at AFCON comes awkwardly too soon in the tournament for both sides desire to keep the kingship further than rhetoric.

In Gambiana’s street chit-chat with Gambian football fans, they expressed high hope for a victory for the Scorpions despite facing the reigning champions of Africa, Senegal. 

Naisha Jaiteh told Gambiana that no intimidation from the Senegalese will stop the Scorpions defeating their Teranga Lions. 

“Against Senegal, they’ll face a tough fight,

But our scorpions are ready, with all their might. They’ll run, they’ll score, they’ll defend. Until the final whistle, they’ll never bend.

“Their opponents may try to intimidate, but our Scorpions will not hesitate. With determination in their eyes, they will give it their all, no compromise, playing their part with perfect harmony. And when they score, the crowd will roar, their victory, we’ll all adore,” she said.

Bab Njie added that the recent AFCON matches showed that there is no small nation in football.

“Underrate us at your own peril. We have all seen how Cape Verde, Mozambique and Equatorial Guinea performed. Let’s go, boys,”he said.

Omar Camara added:”Go the Scorpions, and fight, with all your might.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba