CECAFA’s hopes for representation at the FIFA U-20 World Cup were ended bitterly as Gambia staged a five-star performance to wallop South Sudan 5-0 in the quarterfinals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations currently on in Egypt.
Defenders Moses Jarju and Mahmud Bajo scored a goal apiece to add on ‘s Adama Bojang memorable hattrick to set the West African through to the last four.
In the other match, Tunisia held their nerves to edge Congo 5-4 in penalties in a pulsating encounter that had ended in a thrilling six-goal stalemate.
The duo joins West Africans Senegal and Nigeria in the semifinal and as well completes Africa’s roster at the 23rd edition of the U-20 FIFA World Cup to be held in Indonesia in May and June.
Gambia will be making their second appearance, Tunisia third, Senegal fourth and Nigeria, a record 13th final.
2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations
Quarterfinal results
Senegal 1-0 Benin
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
Gambia 5-0 South Sudan
Congo (4)3-3(5) Tunisia
Semifinal fixtures
Monday 6th, March
Senegal vs Tunisia – Suez Canal Stadium, 7 pm
Gambia vs Nigeria – Cairo International stadium, 9 pm