The Gambia Scorpions drew 1-1 with the visiting Mauritania side in the first leg of the African Nations Cup qualifier tie on Saturday, and despite Mauritania bagging a much-needed away goal, Scorpions head coach Tarik Siagy insists Gambia will prevail come the return leg.

In a post-match interview with Observer Sports, the Egyptian coach admitted Saturday’s tie was one Gambia’s poorest home game, but was quick to add that the home pressure could have been a contributing factor.

“It was indeed a very shaky performance from The Gambia, but Insaallahu (by the grace of Allah) things will be different in the return leg,” he said.

“We created numerous scoring chances but we never capitalised. May be it was the home pressure and surely we will play with a free mind during the second-leg in Mauritania.”

However, if his counterpart’s words are anything to go by, the Scorpions will pay a dear price for their Saturday’s poor home-display.

The Mauritania coach, Alain Moizan, seems not wary of the much-hyped Gambian side, adding that his side will control the game in Mauritania.

“We could not play as expected because of the poor state of the pitch. But back home in Mauratania, we have a good pitch and we will take advantage of that to give it our best.

“Gambia play good football, but we have what it takes to beat them in our home soil,” said coach Moizan who claimed Saturday’s match was his first assignment since he took charge as the head coach.