“I have a duty to maintain the standards” - Gambia U20 coach Bojang

Gambia are one of the teams expected to excel at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations following their third-place finish in the previous tournament in Mauritania.

The Young Scorpions will face Tunisia for the second consecutive tournament as the latter open their Group C campaign at the competition being hosted by Egypt

The West Africans secured a 4-2 shootout victory over the Young Carthage Eagles in Nouakchott to claim their second bronze medal in the tournament and coach Abdoulie Bojang wants to keep on that path.

“I have a duty to maintain the standards of the team. The focus is on Tunisia, to put up a respectable performance and win,” said the former Scorpions midfielder.

“Football is not just on paper but the 90 minutes om the pitch and that is what we will do. We were here before, so we want to be consistent with our performances to achieve that again.”

The ex-Steve Biko ace is known for his emphasis on discipline and a clear style of player and Bojang expects his team to play as a unit.

"It's a team, it's not individuals but it's a team that plays together, with a dream, with a strategy and each player is very disciplined and does everything to achieve this.”

In Group C, they have been drawn against Tunisia, Benin and 2017 winners Zambia.

“We are in good condition, we can work calmly to get the goal; qualify for the World Cup and why not win this trophy,” Bojang said.

Gambian football is going through exciting times with the Young Scorpions qualifying for consecutive tournaments on the heels of the senior Scorpions heroics in Cameroon on their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.

“It will be a very difficult match against Tunisia, they will be favourites, they are a great nation, but we have fantastic players, and we will do everything to win this match.

“We are well prepared; we respect the opponents. We must continue to dream,” he concluded.

Alagie Saine is one of the surviving members of the 2021 team in Mauritania and the team captain who recently signed for Danish side AC Horsens is raring to go.

“I feel the same temperature as in Europe, the pitches are magnificent, at this level, we are spoiled,” said the former Falcons captain. “We are here to represent our country as our seniors did at the AFCON in Cameroon.

“We must be dignified and make our people happy.”