Ousman Jallow, the prolific Gambia U-20 and Al-Ain FC hitman, said he was very grateful to be crowned a leading goal scorer in the highly-prized African U-20 championships.

In an interview with Observer Sports shortly after receiving his golden boot title as the leading goal scorer with three vital goals, Jallow said: “I will first of all thank Almighty Allah, because it is not easy to come to a competition like this-with many talented good strikers-and win the golden boot title.” He said the trophy will also motivate him to look for more titles in the near future. “Any time I sit, I will always remember that I have once been a leading goal scorer in the CAF U-20 tournament and it will make me to fight harder for more achievement,” joyous Jallow said.

Asked whether he was expecting to win the same title he won in the 2005 U-17 Championship in Banjul, Jallow said: “Yes of course! I was expecting it. Before the tournament all my team-mates were praying for me to lift the golden boot title. I can even say that it was through their prayers and assistance that I landed the title and I am grateful for their help, I received the title personally, but it is for every player in the team because without them I would have not won it.”

Jallow, who suffers tight injury before Gambia’s match against Zambia in the third spot play-off, said he was surprised to come from bench and landed Gambia the bronze medal. “I was surprised because I was injured, yet I sacrificed to play and thank God I scored the two most-needed goals,” he said glowingly.

The Al-ain striker is also satisfied with bronze medal as debutant. “I was very satisfied with the bronze medal even though we were in Congo for the coveted title. We want to win the gold medal but this is what God has destined for us, so we have to take it in good faith and look forward to the future.”