Gambian wonderkid Yankuba Minteh has said that playing for his country of birth, The Gambia, has been his dream, as he expressed delight for being part of the AFCON squad.

“It’s my pleasure to play for my country because it has been my dream to play for my country. That’s everyone’s dream to see your country at the top level. It’s a pleasure for me to be in the country’s history book that I represented the country in AFCON,” he said.

The youngster urged fellow footballers both at home and abroad to believe in themselves and never allow others to discourage them in pursuing their goals in football.

Minteh said he’s ready to do whatever the coach asks of him adding that he relishes the challenge of impacting a game from the bench. 

“I love coming from the bench to make a change in the game because I read the defence line so that I can spot their weak points and capitalise on those points.”

Minteh promised to help the team qualify for major tournaments including the World Cup. 

He said his ambition is to play for the top

Clubs in the world. The youngster has made impact since joining Newcastle United last summer. 

He is currently on loan to Dutch Feyenoord and has helped them in their quest for glory becoming the youngster player to score for the club in the championship league.  

Minteh started his football career with Gambian club Steve Biko FC before moving to Danish club OB in 2022. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba