AFCON 2021: Covid-Free Gambia To Face Lions In Njie’s Absence

The Scorpions of Gambia will square – off against hosts Cameroon, with 26 eligible players, all tested Covid negative.

The only player out, due to suspension is Yusupha Njie, who was shown direct red in the Gambia’s round of 16 win against Guinea.

Cameroon and debutants Gambia, booked their quarterfinal tickets against Comoros and Guinea respectively.

At the knockout game played on Monday night at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde, Comoros, already weakened by 12 COVID-19 positive cases including their active goalkeepers, put on a brave fight against Cameroon.

The Coelacantes started the match with a real show of confidence but things got from bad to worse when their captain Nadjim Abdou was sent off early for a foul on Moumi Ngamaleu.

Still, Comoros presented a palatable show against the hosts.

Karl Toko Ekambi broke the deadlock just before halftime and gave the Indomitable Lions the lead.

Captain Vincent Aboubakar added the second goal in the second half before Comoros midfeilder Youssouf M’Changama scored a stunning free-kick to half the deficit.

Earlier on Monday, the Gambia made history after beating Guinea 1-0 to qualify for AFCON quarterfinals for the first time.

Musa Barrow’s strike in the second half of the game, kept Gambia on the trail history, for the Scorpions who are participating in the tournament for only their first time.

Cameroon will clash against the Gambia in the quarterfinal on Saturday, at the Japoma stadium at 5:00 pm local time.