The Gambia players celebrate a goal during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Last 16 match between Guinea and Gambia on January 24, 2022 at Kouekong Omnisports Stadium, Bafoussam, Cameroon (Photo by Sydney Mahlangu via CFP)
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) debutants, The Gambia, have their eyes set on qualification for the semi-final stage of the 2021 tournament in Cameroon, having outsmarted Guinea in the Round of 16.
The Scorpions are scheduled to play the host nation later on Saturday, hoping to become the first debutants to reach the semi-finals of an AFCON tournament since South Africa in 1996. South Africa went on to win the competition.
The Gambia qualified from Group F as runners up behind Mali, having managed two wins from three games. Mali took the top spot only on goal difference.
The debutant's clash with Cameroon at the Japoma Stadium in Douala will be their first-ever encounter in an AFCON tournament.
The Scorpions are expected to continue the fearless attacking football that has attracted fan interest in them so far.
Team captain Pa Modou Jagne in a rallying call to his colleagues after the Guinea victory asserted that they will be looking to go all the way in Cameroon.
"We are here to stay. We are here to compete," said Pa Modou. "We are going to stay here until the 8th."