The Gambia came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against Mauritania in the first leg of the Abidjan Nations Cup qualifier tie on Saturday at the Independence Stadium.

The relatively underrated visiting team surprised the home fans when they made the home side struggled for an equaliser rather than a winner in the best part of the game.

Ould Khourou Khatry’s fired his side ahead in the 28th minute before Wallidan hitman, Momodou Lamin Sillah, rescued the Scorpions twelve minutes after the resumption of second interval.

Saturday’s match saw Gambia unveiled good individual talents, though they did not cohere as a team.

Right from the kick-off, the Scorpions, who were captained by Ousman Koli, looked set to carry the day.

Wallidan’s Sainey Touray, who formed an unfamiliar front line with Armed Forces’ Abdou Darboe, squandered the first chance in the first minute, before defender Samba Bah’s range shot winced off the standbar moments later.

Abdourahaman Dampha and George Cole were all denied by goalkeeper Sauliman Diallo before Mauritania broke the deadlock two minutes to half-hour mark.

Ismael Diakite winced in a low cross and striker Ould Khourou Khatry was there to send the ball pass keeper Joseph Gomez after a weak defence.

Buoyed up by the solitary goal lead, the visitors started to play with more confidence.

However, their hopes of shocking their host, was dashed in the 57th minute when Wallidan new revelation Momodou Lamin Sillah beat keeper Diallo with low kick to earn two goals in two successive international matches.

The Scorpions will travel to Mauritania in a week time for the return leg, with the winner facing the Syli Nationales of Guinea in the second round stages.