The Gambia U-20 team, last night beat the U-20 side of Orlando Pirates in what could be described as their final preparatory match, ahead of the African Youth Championship finals, starting on Saturday, January 20 in Congo Brazzaville, Observer Sports can reveal.

The Gambian skipper, Ken Malamin Jammeh, put his side forward from a spot kick before Sainey Nyassi sealed the match at 2-0 in Gambia’s favour.

Last night’s victory came on the heels of a comfortable 3-0 victory over the crafted South African U-20 side on Sunday. The Darling Scorpions are expected to leave Johannesburg on Thursday for the championship proper.

Darling Scorpions are billed to take on Burkina Faso in their debut Group A match on Saturday in Brazzaville. They will take on the host, Congo, three days later before they face Ivory Coast in the final group match on Friday, January 26.

Analysists have high hope that the Darling Scorpions, who received a big boost from the Gambian leader, Dr Alhagi Yahya Jammeh, before leaving for South Africa, can reach the peak of Congo finals, despite wearing debutant cap.

“I think The Gambia have proven what they are capable of doing as eveident in the two consecitive victories in Johannesburg friendlies, a veteran coach told Observer Sports last night.