The Gambia under 20 and FC AL-Ain ace, Ousman Jallow is eyeing his first senior cap after earning a maiden call-up to the senior team. The Gambia is set to host Algeria in their final group match on Sunday, September 9, and Ousman Jallow is among the foreign players invited for this crucial bout.

The former Wallidan striker has been the backbone of the Gambian youth teams since his invitation to the National U-17 team in 2005, and his invitation to the senior team has been greeted with applause from all corners.

The all-time goal poacher fell in love with the game of football while still at school. After leaving school, he forayed into the Bakau nawettan level before making it to the divisional level. Jallow,19, joined Wallidan as one of the youngest players. With Wallidan, he won as many title as possible. Due to his uncanny skills, Jallow was invited to the U-17 team in 2004 as one of the youngest strikers. His bountiful efforts helped the team win the Peace Tournament that was staged by the President in commemoration of the July 22 anniversary. Since then, the mesmeric striker has become a household name in the country.

He was handpicked by the Ghanaian born coach, Fred Osam Duodo, to captain the Gambian team to the CAF U-17 Championship in Banjul, making him the youngest Gambian captain ever. But Ous wasn’t burdened by the demands of his leadership position. With an unassuming quiet leadership style, Ous led the nation to her first ever continental crown, besides being the second highest overall scorer during CAF U-17 Championship held in Banjul.

In Peru, Ous lived up to his billing as a fantastic striker, scoring two goals in three matches. That perhaps explains why he has been invited to the U-20 team that was preparing for the semi-final matches of the Ecowas tournament in Nigeria.

One of the unforgettable moments in Jallow’s career is his brilliant display during the CAF U-20 Championship in Congo Brazzaville. After helping Gambia to berth a World Cup spot, the star striker returned home with the golden boot title-the first time Gambian player wins such coveted individual title in such a major competition.

The strapping and indefatigable Ous has a knack for slithering into seemingly impregnable defences.

“Jallow is a prolific striker, quick on the ball and he uses both feet and head to score.”

Commenting on his physical ability, a football fanatic described Jallow as a player with excellent speed, strong and powerful, with the ability to work at high tempo for ninety minutes and above.

“He also has an excellent knowledge and application for forward runs to exploit space, excellent in penalty kicks and more importantly, he is well nurtured on the field of play, determined, committed, dynamic and mentally alert in all situations. Ousman Jallow is a complete footballer and if a club is looking for a genuine striker, he is the one to look for.”