The Gambian Scorpions’ performance of late in the 2008 Nations Cup qualifier campaign has been magnificent. The Scorpions have proven too big an obstacle to crack in their two successive away outings, despite the absence of some so-called big names in the squad.

Proving vital points in Conakry two weeks back and more recently in Praia, has resurrected Scorpions’ Ghana dream and one player whose name remains on the lips of every Gambian sports enthusiast is Ousman Koli, former U-17 ace who plays his club football with Steve Biko.

Koli, 19, earned his first cap with The Gambia Scorpions on June 3, against Syli Nationales of Guinea and his determined effort in neutralising classic players like Foday Mansarry and Pascal Feindounou - Guinean heroes - in the French First Division league, saw Koli nicknamed; Scorpions’ Mr. Reliable.

“Despite being a home-based, Ousman is an industrious player who plays with complete dedication and determination. His performance of late has been conspicuously courageous and he is a player I can always rely on.” the Egyptian born coach Tarik Siagy was quoted saying at the Scorpions camp in Conakry.

Versatile Koli helped Gambia clinched the 2005 CAF U-17 Championship title in Banjul in 2005, and to the surprise of many pundits, he was not named in Bonu Johnson’s squad to the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Canada.

However, the deprived, but forward-looking youngster did not seem perturbed by this decision and he was ready to showcase his talent whenever the chance comes his way.

A call-up for Koli to join the Scorpions team who are pounding a pavement in search of Nations Cup place in Ghana 2008 was seen by pundits as the right decision at the right time.

Koli warmed the bench when the Scorpions succumbed to the Syli Nationales 2-0 in the Banjul first-leg encounter.

However, the return-leg in Conakry was a different story. Koli played a full-time match in which Scorpions clinched a 2-2 draw with the seemingly organised but over-confident host side in Conakry. He added more icing to the cake when he formed the backbone of the same team that shared points with Cape Verde in Praia on Saturday.

“Playing for the nation team is the dream of every aspiring player and I will always strive to give the best of the best whenever given the chance,” courageous Koli told Observer Sports.