U17 AFCON: Gambia delivers a manita and bounces back!

After a narrow opening loss to Senegal (1-0), Gambia had no room for error in their second Group C match of the U17 AFCON 2025. Mission accomplished for the Scorpions, who brilliantly bounced back with a resounding 5-1 victory over a depleted Somali side, this Friday at the El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco.

Missing several players who had left the base camp, Somalia, already struggling, quickly crumbled. Young FC Barcelona talent Alieu Drammeh opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a penalty, before doubling the lead in the 16th after a deflection from Bubacarr Susso.

Just before the break, an own goal by Somali defender Liban Kalif Mohamed made it 3-0.

Alieu Drammeh shines brightly!

Somalia tried to respond through Anas Isse Mohamed (48th), but Drammeh struck again in the 76th minute, completing his hattrick. Towards the end, Bisenty Mendy sealed the "manita" (89th).

With this success, Gambia is back in the race and hopes to secure their quarter-final spot against Tunisia. Meanwhile, Somalia is eliminated and will face Senegal for pride.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.