Gambia U-20 to face Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon in Libya

By Omar Bah

U20 Coach Lamin Sarr

The Baby Scorpions of The Gambia have been grouped with the Defending champions Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon in the draw for the upcoming African U-20 championship in Libya come March 18^th, 2011.

Gambia who went all the way to the semi finals in Congo in 2007 are hoping for a great tournament come Libya 2011, after winning Ivory Coast in both legs of the qualifiers.

Now a big question mark is, will or can they overcome their group contenders which are Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon in group B.

Nigeria are likely the biggest threat to the scorpions as they have registered victories in any of their meetings. The last was in the semi final in Congo 2007 where Nigeria won by a goal to nil.

Knowing the challenges that lie ahead of them coach Lamin Sarr has a big task ahead to see his side (The Gambia U20) perform up to expectation in Libya.

"It's very important for us, it's a big challenge for me and the players - we have to work very hard to go to the World Cup,” coach Lamin Sarr told reporters before the draw.

The World defending champions Ghana are determined to hold on to both crowns as demonstrated by their head coach Wellington, saying that they are both financially and physically strong adding that his crop of youngsters have even more potential than their double-winning predecessors.

"When you talk about technique this team is far ahead of the past

Champions", he told the BBC's African sports program.

“These players are tactically and technically [more] sound than the other team. The others play more aggressively but this team can play very good football said Wellington before the draws were made".

The four teams in each group will meet in a round robin format, with group winners and runners-up progressing to the semi-finals-thereby securing a place at the World Cup in Colombia in July.