The Gambia U-17 national team battled to a resilient 0-0 draw against hosts Senegal in the much-anticipated Senegambian derby on Sunday at Stade Lat Dior, sealing their group stage campaign unbeaten in the ongoing WAFU A CAF U-17 qualifiers.
Both sides had already secured semi-final berths with two wins apiece, setting the stage for a clash of pride and momentum. Senegal entered the encounter boasting a flawless defensive record and nine goals scored, while the Young Scorpions carried confidence from emphatic victories over Mauritania (4-1) and Cape Verde (3-1).
The derby lived up to its billing as a tense, tactical contest, with both defences standing firm and clear scoring chances at a premium. The result underlined Gambia’s growing maturity, as they matched Senegal stride for stride in a high-pressure environment.
With the draw, the Young Scorpions finish the group stage undefeated, keeping alive hopes of topping the pool on goal difference. More importantly, they advance to the semi-finals with momentum and belief, positioning themselves as one of the form teams in a tournament that doubles as qualification for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Attention now shifts to the knockout rounds, where Gambia will look to extend their unbeaten run and secure a coveted ticket to continental football’s premier youth competition
