The Gambia’s Scorplings have made a flying start to their WAFU Zone A U-17 campaign, defeating Sierra Leone 4–1 in their opening Group A encounter at Stade De Abdoulaye Wade.

Sierra Leone took an early lead through Ousman Bangura, but the Scorplings responded almost immediately. Alieu Saine restored parity from the penalty spot after Sharif Touray was brought down inside the box.

Alieu Saine then completed the turnaround in the 13th minute, calmly converting another penalty to put The Gambia ahead.

The Scorplings continued to dominate and were rewarded in the 20th minute when Sharif Touray finished from close range following an assist from Sheikh Ngum, giving The Gambia a 3–1 advantage at the break.

Coach Yahya Manneh’s substitutes later made their mark. Omar Badjie produced a brilliant piece of individual skill before his outside-of-the-foot cross caused trouble for the Sierra Leone goalkeeper, who could only parry the ball into the path of Muhammed Jatta.

Muhammed Jatta made no mistake from close range in the 76th minute to complete the scoring and seal a convincing 4–1 victory.

The result gives the Scorplings an excellent start to their campaign as they look ahead to their next Group A fixture against Mauritania on September 10th.

In the other Group A encounter, hosts Senegal defeated Mauritania 4–0, meaning The Gambia and Senegal sit at the top of the group after the opening round of matches.

By Ebrima KB Sonko in Dakar