By Arfang M.S. Camara
Scorpions’ midfielder Abdoulie Jallow has expressed happiness for scoring the first-ever goal for the Gambia in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 23-year-old scored The Gambia’s only goal after a thunderous shot outside the 18-yard box in the 10th minute of the game.
“I am very happy and delighted to have scored Gambia’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations goal in our maiden tournament. We are so happy for the big victory,” said the delightful Scorpions midfielder.
Jallow who plays his football in Belgian First Division for R.F.C. Seraing said he was so happy that he could not even celebrate his goal, adding that though they won, it was a very difficult game against the Mauritanians.
“Even though we won the game, it was very difficult for us. There was a moment when the Mauritanians were dominating us but we tried to be very resolute in our defense to ensure that we do not concede any goal.”
According to him, the victory will help them going for their next encounter against Mali on Sunday, adding that coming into the game they vowed to collect the maximum points against the Mauritanians, knowing fully well that their next two games against Mali and Tunisia will not be easy.
‘Germano’ as he is fondly called thanked Gambians for their support and prayers, noting that their target as a team is to sail to the next stage of the competition.
The Gambia entered the AFCON qualifiers back in 1952 but Abdoulie Jallow’s name will go down in the history of Gambian football as the first player to score for the Gambia in the continental showpiece.
The Gambia will face Mali in their second game of the tournament on Sunday 16th January at the Omnisports de Limbe, before playing Tunisia in their final group game on Thursday 20 January 2022.
