Sierra Leone Suffer 4–1 Defeat to The Gambia in U-17 AFCON Qualifiers

Sierra Leone suffered a 4–1 defeat to The Gambia in their opening match of the WAFU-A U-17 AFCON Qualifiers in Senegal.

Sierra Leone made a bright start, taking the lead in the third minute through Osman I. Bangura, who headed into an empty net following a defensive mix-up between the Gambian goalkeeper and a defender.

The lead, however, lasted just five minutes. The Gambia were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute after Sharif Touray was brought down inside the box, with Alieu Saine calmly converting from the spot to level the score.

The Gambians were awarded another penalty five minutes later after Sheikh Ngum was brought down by the Sierra Leone goalkeeper. Saine stepped up again and made no mistake, giving The Gambia a 2–1 lead.

The Gambia continued to dominate proceedings and extended their advantage in the 20th minute. Sheikh Ngum picked out Sharif Touray, who fired a left-footed effort into the net to make it 3–1.

The opening 20 minutes produced four goals in an action-packed start, but Sierra Leone struggled to regain control after conceding three goals in quick succession.

The Gambia added a fourth goal in the 76th minute when substitute Omar Badjie showed good skill down the left before getting his effort on target. The Sierra Leone goalkeeper managed to get a hand to the ball, but could not prevent Muhammed Jatta from following up and firing into the roof of the net.

The result leaves Sierra Leone without a point from their opening fixture, while The Gambia take all three points.

Sierra Leone will now turn their attention to their next fixture against hosts Senegal on September 10 as they look to recover from the opening-day defeat.