Following the wonderful performance of the U-17 team in the African Cup of Nations, hosted by Algeria, the Daily Observer caught up with overwhelmed supporters so as to sound their opinion on the issue.

The majority of them expressed delight with the recent qualification of the Baby Scorpions to the second stage and to the World Cup, to be played in Nigeria by October this year.

Omar Touray,student at BIPS,Gunjur
The U-17 team’s qualification to the next  stage constitutes a big achievement. I’m confident that they are able to reach the final round and win the cup.

Lamin Ceesay, A staff of Access Bank,
I must admit that I didn’t watch the second match, but I am confident that our national team can perform successfully in this tournament. I was very much impressed with the results. I want to seize the opportunity to urge my fellow citizens to contribute their quota in order to motivate more the players.

Morro Drammeh, A staff of Global Property, Bakau New Town
“It is not a big surprise to me.The generation of players we have constitute a committed footballers.” I called on the players to be very careful, as  they enter into this crucial stage.  

Ebou Sanneh, Carpenter, a  resident of Dippa Kunda 5 Junction.
 I did not have confidence in the boys at the beginning. So, you must know that their performance becomes as a big surprise to me. The Gambia Football Association (GFA) should now rely on foreign coach.

The U-17 team’s performance is a clear indication that foreign coaches are more likely to deliver than local ones. To me, if we want to keep the momentum we should not leave everything with President Yahya Jammeh. We all must endeavour and contribute our quota.

Pa Lamin Camara alias Pa Camara, Former Saraba FC player, Brikama,
I am far from being satisfied with their performance. I think the team has not yet settled. The players seem to be still looking for their automatisms. Although they are on a winning path, they have to show their capabilities to play their football.

He blamed two halfbacks for loose marking. “Such can also pave a way for the opponent to look dangerous. If I should give my humble advice, the best tactic is to start the game by putting pressure on the opponents. I want to commend President Yahya Jammeh for his precious contribution to Gambian football. Without his support, the boys could not have made it.

Fatou Sayang, Student, resident of Kanifing Estate
I am very much optimistic about the capability of the boys to emerge victorious at the end of the tournament. Gambians should strengthen the mobilisation with The Gambia Football Association (GFA), so as to assure our main objective which is to win the cup.

Isatou Jatta, Student, resident in Latrikunda German
I am very happy to see Gambian football setting the path for success. As a  footballer, I believe that they will reach the final and bring us the cup. We should prepare  a hero’s welcome for the Baby Scorpions.

Momdou. L. Jallow, Guinean national, fruit seller
The Gambian team’s performance in Algiers is spectacular. I have the feeling that they will progress and bring the cup to The Gambia.

Fatou Jarju, Student, resident of Dippa Kunda.
I want to congratulate the coach for the wonderful and excellent job, as well as the players who set a record by beating big names in football history. She also, like others, wants to financially contribute to the support of the team.

Awa bah,Student, Resident of Dippa Kunda
This performance provides a great opportunity for Gambians to contribute to the development of football. We are all happy when our team wins and as a consequence we should make sure that we participate in efforts geared towards complementing government’s initiative in the domain of football.