Gambia Ports Authority coach, Ebrima Joof, remains confident that his side can still progress to the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup Championships despite their first-leg 1-0 defeat by Abidjan’s club, ES Bengerville, on Saturday.

The visitors needed striker Joel Zeze’s brace in the 42nd minute to edge past The Gambia Ports Authority 1-0 - a setback which saw coach Ebrima Joof start his Ports Authority stint with a defeat.

In a post-match interview with journalists, coach Joof said, it’s disappointing that his side had lost the game, but was quick to add that it’s not the end for them.

“I know it will be difficult but it is not impossible for us to go to Abidjan and garner the desired result.”

“Having seen our opponents played, we just have to go to the training ground and work harder,” said the former Ham Ham coach.

“Losing your first match is not the end of it. We have to be courageous and make sure we go to Abidjan in scoring mood.”

Saturday’s 1-0 defeat means that The Gambia FA Cup holders will have only a win as an option, when they travel to the former French colony in fortnight period for the second-leg tie.

The dethroned league champions had last year crashed out of CAF Champions’ League competition at the second round stages after eliminating Ghana’s giants, Ashanti Kotoko, in the preliminary tie.