The Scorpions of The Gambia were last night held to a goalless draw by the Chipolopolo of Zambia in an international friendly match played at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
It was the first meeting of the two countries at the senior level, hence the importance of the game as both sides prepare for next weekend’s different AFCON qualifier games against South Africa and Guinea Bissau.
The game, which attracted some handful spectators failed to meet the expectations of fans of Gambian side, which was composed more of local-based players in the absence of some foreign-based players.
The first half witnessed minimal chances and a low tempo. Gambia created more close chances than their opponent but would not find the back of the net.
Resuming from the break, the Scorpions captained by defender Buba Sanneh of Denmark in the absence of Omar Colley were much better with star player Bully Drammeh of domestic league side Real De Banjul displaying fantastic skills on the right flank moving fast into the Zambian half. The deadliest chance came just 14 minutes into the second half when Bully Drammeh’s powerful left footer was brilliantly saved by Zambian goalkeeper Kennedy Mureene.
The 2012 AFCON champions Zambia, on the other hand were very disciplined at the back and cautious of the Gambian strikers.
Coach Sang Ndong effected some changes as he brought in Sainey Sambou, domestic league top scorer and Samger’s Mamadi Ngum, and Alasan Manneh to mount more pressure on Zambia.
His opponent assistant coach Agrey Chiyangi also did effect some change in his squad to better reinforce the team when he brought in Chama Chomba for Chrissamba Lungu and Conlyde Luchanga for Christopher Katongo.
Speaking in a post match interview with Observer Sports, Scorpions’ coach Sang Ndong said the friendly match was very important and timely. He said it would help him identify some of the lapses in his squad ahead of the South Africa game.
He admitted scoring is a big problem for Gambian football but hopes there will be goals looking at the strikers invited such as Baboucarr Steve Trawally and Bakary Njie.
While hoping for more test games, the Scorpion Coach was quite happy with the performance of the local-based players describing them as the “future of Gambian football”.
The assistant coach of Zambia, Agrey Chiyangi said that the game will serve as a good preparation for their upcoming game against Guinea Bissau. He commended the Gambian side for their respectable performance as his side was given a real test game needed.
by Alieu Ceesay
& Arfang MS Camara