UFOA-A U17 Tournament: Gambia Open With 4-1 Win Over Sierra Leone

The Gambia began the UFOA-A U17 tournament with a 4-1 victory over Sierra Leone at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium in Diamniadio. The result gave the Baby Scorpions a strong start in Group A, in a competition that will decide the West African qualifiers for the Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations.

Sierra Leone took the lead in the third minute through Bangoura. The early goal did not settle the match, as the Gambia responded before the interval with three goals. Alieu Saine scored twice from the penalty spot, while Sharif Touray also found the net to complete the turnaround before half-time.

Saine’s two penalties came within a two-minute spell. His contribution changed the direction of the match after Sierra Leone had taken the initiative, and the Gambian forward was later named man of the match. The double also made him the first standout performer of the Baby Scorpions’ campaign.

The Gambia continued to control the scoreboard after the break. Muhamed Jatta, introduced as a substitute in the second half, scored the fourth goal to complete a 4-1 win. The goal extended the Gambian lead and removed any prospect of a Sierra Leone recovery in the closing stages.

After the opening round of Group A, the Gambia sit second behind Senegal. Senegal began the tournament by defeating Mauritania 4-0, giving the hosts the early advantage in the group. The two wins also produced an immediate separation between the leading sides and the teams beaten on the opening matchday.

The result gives the Gambia three points and a positive goal difference of three. Senegal’s larger victory leaves the defending champions top of the section, while Sierra Leone and Mauritania begin the competition without points. The group standings will now be shaped by the remaining fixtures involving all four teams.

The tournament carries added importance because it is the qualifying event for the CAN U17 finals. Senegal are seeking a third consecutive UFOA-A U17 title after winning the competition in 2024 and 2025. The Gambia’s opening victory places them among the early contenders, although their route forward will depend on the rest of the group programme.

The wider competition has already been affected by a disciplinary decision. Guinea-Bissau were disqualified after magnetic resonance imaging age tests on their players, reducing Group B to three teams: Mali, Guinea and Liberia. The first day’s Group B programme includes Mali against Liberia, while the tournament is scheduled to continue until September 20.

The opening two days are being played at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium in Diamniadio. The remaining matches are scheduled for the Lat-Dior Stadium in Thiès. The Gambia will now turn to its next Group A fixture with the early advantage of a win, four goals scored and the confidence provided by recovering from an early deficit.