Drammeh hat-trick helps Gambia to bounce back with emphatic win over Somalia

Gambia U17 reignited their 2025 TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over Somalia in their second Group C match on Friday at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in Morocco.

After suffering a narrow defeat to neighbours Senegal in their opening game, Gambia responded with purpose and power, racing into a 3-0 lead by half-time and never looking back.

Somalia, who lost their first game to Tunisia, were outclassed in key moments despite a spirited second-half showing.

Gambia took the lead inside four minutes when Alieu Drammeh converted from the penalty spot after Alagie Baba was brought down in the box.

Drammeh doubled his tally on 16 minutes, finishing off a clever headed assist by Bubacarr Suso with a calm right-footed strike.

Just before the break, Gambia added a third through an own goal by Somali defender Liban Kalif, who deflected the ball into his own net under pressure.

Somalia briefly raised hopes of a comeback when Anas Isse pulled one back early in the second half, finishing neatly from close range.

However, Gambia swiftly regained control with Drammeh completing his hat-trick on 76 minutes, heading home a corner from Muhammed Danso.

The scoring was rounded off in stoppage time as substitute Bisenty Mendy netted Gambia’s fifth with a composed finish following a quick counter-attack.

The result takes Gambia to three points, keeping their hopes of qualification alive ahead of their final group match against Tunisia.

Somalia, with two defeats in two games, will aim to salvage pride when they take on group favourites Senegal.