Skipper Edrissa Sonko has heaped praise on the Scorpions youngsters for their brave display in Gambia’s back-breaking 2-1 victory over Algeria on Sunday and called on Gambians to encourage them.

The new Walsall signing, said he owed Sunday’s victory to the brave young players who undisputedly made their presence felt.

Gambia came from behind to snatch the winner in a crucial match that featured numerous youngsters, including the National under-20 trio. Both forward Ousman Jallow and Pa Modou Jagne featured in the starting line-up, before Ebrima Sohna came in as a substitute. The lads proved their first-time call-up was long overdue with an astonishing display.

The Al-Ain striker, who formed an unfamiliar frontline with Danish-based striker, Njogu Demba created most of Gambia’s chances before receiving a double blow in the second interval of the tensely contested match.

Ousman Jallow watched his well-taken penalty parried away by the Algerian keeper, and moments later, the goal poacher received his marching order from the Nigerian referee, Emmanuel Imirer whose assistant confirmed Jallow’s knocking down of an Algerian player.

However, Edrissa Sonko, who stepped in for suspended Ebou Sillah as Scorpions skipper, urged all Gambian supporters to forgive the under -20 ace for the red card.

“I want all the Gambian fans to forgive Jallow for receiving that red. He is a young player who is ambitious and hungry for glory. Young players always get irritated easily, and it is important to have someone who will guide them to the right path.”

“I was very pleased with the performances of the cadet players, and we have to thank them for proving themselves. Gambians need to help this team morally and mentally, and if that is done, the road to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa will surely be a success,” Sonko said.

“We would have loved to qualify for the Ghana finals, but this is what God has destined. We will now concentrate on the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. We are going to prepare to make it happen and I pray that no one gets injured, so that we will work together and accomplish the 2010 mission.”

“We have a very young team with great prospects, and with the support of the Gambian populace, we will make our mark.”