Published: Saturday, 08 June 2024
Gambia unleashed a goal-scoring frenzy as they clinched their first victory of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, defeating Seychelles 5-1 in a dominant display at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Saturday.
The resounding triumph sees Gambia rise in Group F, while Seychelles remain pointless after three matches.
The hosts wasted no time in asserting their authority, with Muhammed Badamosi opening the scoring in the 10th minute, nodding home from the center of the box after a precise cross from Omar Gaye.
Seychelles briefly threatened a comeback when Ryan Henriette finished clinically from the center of the box in the 14th minute, but the first half ended level at 1-1, with Gambia appearing the more dominant side.
The second half, however, saw Gambia shift into an unstoppable gear. Just three minutes after the restart, Musa Barrow converted a penalty with a powerful shot to the high center of the goal, restoring Gambia’s lead.
Yankuba Minteh extended the advantage in the 55th minute, rifling a right-footed shot from the center of the box, with Barrow providing the assist.
Gambia’s relentless attack continued to bear fruit in the 66th minute when Badamosi headed home his second of the match, this time assisted by Barrow, making it 4-1.
The final nail in Seychelles’ coffin came in the 78th minute, with Adama Sidibeh nodding in from the center of the box after a well-placed cross from Alasana Manneh.
Despite their efforts, Seychelles struggled to contain Gambia’s onslaught, and several substitutions by both teams did little to change the momentum of the match.
Gambia’s comprehensive victory provides a significant morale boost as they prepare to face Gabon on Tuesday, while Seychelles will need to regroup quickly as they host Burundi, seeking to earn their first points of the campaign.