The Gambia’s Scorpions have pulled off a shock 3 -1 win away to Angola in Wednesday’s opening Group D qualifier for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The visitors went into the game as underdogs against the Palancas Negras who ran out 3-1 aggregate winners over the West Africans after September’s two-legged tie for the 2022 World Cup.
However the surprise final score at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda on Wednesday evening avenged the Scorpions’ exit to the Angolans.
Wilson Eduardo volleyed the hosts in front after just three minutes but this lead lasted 14 minutes before Scorpions forward Assan Ceesay scored twice in the space of three minutes to stun the hosts.
Ceesay acrobatically headed Gambia level from a searching cross and completed his brace a minute later, tapping into an empty net following a mistimed backpass which the host keeper could only watch looping over his head.
Although the Palancas Negras dominated large spells of the second half, it was destined to be the Scorpions’ night as Sulayman Marreh struck one minute from time to put the outcome beyond doubt and claimed a famous scalp.
It is the perfect start for Gambia’s bid to qualify for their first AfCON tournament.
Tom Saintfiet’s charges top the group pending Thursday’s qualifier between Gabon and DR Congo.
The Gambia face the Congolese next week while Angola will seek redemption when they meet Gabon away in Franceville this weekend.
WN/as/APA