Even those who represent one of the smallest countries in Africa are entitled to believe in their own abilities. Just take Gambia, a nation with just over 1.4 million inhabitants and a surface area of 11,300 km, but whose U-20 side proved during the CAF African Youth Championship Congo 2007 that anything is still possible.

Making its debut at the tournament, this small West African state - which had already achieved the formidable task of overpowering Morocco and Mali on its way to the finals - clinched the bronze medal with a 3-1 win over Zambia in the match for third place. No mean feat for a football nation which rarely makes the headlines in the international press.

The awarding of another title, this time an individual one, only served to emphasise the team's wealth of talent. Joseph Gomez, goalkeeper of the Baby Scorpions, was named player of the tournament in his position. His outstanding performances attracted the attention of scouts from around the world. Already since the competition finished, the young stopper has completed several trials with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma and Bologna.

Gambia's U-20 players are progressing in leaps with players such as Ousman Jallow, Abdoulie Mansally, Ebrima Sohna and Pa Landing Conateh making up the backbone of the squad, just as they did in 2005 when the Baby Scorpions brilliantly claimed the CAF African U-17 Championship on home soil in 2005. This historic victory earned Gambia the right to contest the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2005 held later that year where they surprised many observers. After two wins in the group phase, including one against eventual finalists Brazil, the Africans saw their dreams dashed by an inferior goal difference (+2 compared to +3 for the Netherlands). This experience gained two years ago will undoubtedly prove valuable during Canada 2007.

During this summer's event, the Baby Scorpions will have their work cut out in Group C where they will face Portugal, Mexico and New Zealand. The first two teams would seem to be the logical favourites. Portugal, title winners in 1989 and 1991, return after a seven-year absence, while Mexico was crowned champions at the U-17 World Cup in Peru in 2005. This is the same generation of Tricolores, led by star striker Giovani Dos Santos, who will be going for glory in Canada.

The Gambians still have a little more time to iron out the creases before this summer's action. From now until July, Bonu Johnson will have the benefit of a full squad to pick from. Further matches are being lined up by the Gambian Football Association. Two home matches are already scheduled, while the coach is hoping to play four matches on European territory. Costa Rica, who qualified for Canada 2007, is also expected to agree to a friendly match.

Although preparations have been far from smooth, the coach is in no mood to panic. On the contrary, he is single-mindedly focused on the task ahead: "We are taking each game as it comes and we don't approach any match lightly."