The Gambia U-20 beat Mali last Saturday to qualify for the CAF Youth Championship finals. The Gambia will join the host, Congo, and six other nations, namely:
Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Cameron, Ivory Coast and Egypt, to compete for the coveted Youth title starting from January 20th to February 4th, 2007. The semi finalists in the Congo tournament will represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Canada in June 2007. The U-20 qualification was the first time a Gambia national team took part in CAF/FIFA qualifying round and come out successful.

Nanama Keita, Sports News Editor of Daily Observer went around to sample the opinions of the general public on the conspicuous success of the game and what could be done on the way forward. But, admittedly everyone spoke with one voice.

Alhagi Ousman B Conateh- First Vice President of WAFU
The U-20’s qualification for Congo 2007 is very good and welcoming. It will undoubtedly stabilise Gambian football that is currently peaking. If we had lost on Saturday, it would have been a major setback. I think both the players and the coach need commendation for a job well done.

On the way forward, we must consolidate on the development by starting preparation for the tournament proper. We are going to meet other nations that will not take us lightly. Also, early preparations cannot be over-emphasised as evident in the unprecedented success of the U-17 team in 2005 African Championship. We must do the same to the U-20 side. I wish the Boys all the best of luck!!!.

>b>Tamsir Manga-Permanent Secretary DoSYSRA
I am happy for the development. Equally, I am not the least surprised because it is the same team that delighted our hearts during the U-17 Championship in 2005. What we must do now is to give the team the maximum support-financially, morally, and technically. Every Gambian should come together to give the team a helping hand.

Omar Sey- Former GFA President
I am very pleased with the qualification. The players did extremely well throughout the campaign and they admittedly won their own merits. On the way forward, we should start the preparation now. With the technical preparation and full support from the general public, the desired goals can be achieved

Lamin King Colley- President Brikama Sports Association
The Boys did extremely well and should be greatly commended. In Congo, our target should be the title and not only to finish second and qualify for Canada 2007. And this can be achieved through the support and prayer of every Gambian. If we all see national teams as national interest and not individual assets, we will always rise. Sports journalists also have a titanic role to play.

Alhagi Sarr- Head coach GPA FC
I am very happy and proud that the team has finally qualified. It is another milestone in the Gambian football. This U-20 side is the team we should prepare for the 2010 World Cup. We should have constant friendly matches before and after the Congo tournament because the team needs exposure. With early preparation and full support of everyone, this team can represent us to the 2010 World Cup finals.

Ali Bojang- Football fan
The whole nation is happy with the qualification. I will thank the players and the technical staff for a job well done. Now that we have qualified, I wish if we can have in the team Mustapha Jarju (Toubabo) to consolidate the mid-field. If the team can also have as many international friendly matches as possible before the tournament proper in Congo, we will surely land the victory. I wish the private sectors come forward to complement government’s effort and give the team a full back-up, financially. With motivation and support the team will make and the whole nation happy again. Again we are all behind them.

Biri Biri-Team manager for Scorpions
It is a very good development in the Gambian football. The team is the side we all hope will bring glory for The Gambia in the near future. They did wonders at the U-17 level and now they just took us to our first-ever U-20 finals. Gambian players have a natural talent, but we only need resources to back them. So, if we all come together and support the team, we shall yield the positive result soon. Government cannot do it alone so the private sector should come forward to complement governments effort.

Pa Suwareh Faye- Head coach Sait Matty FC
The team has done a good work and need commendation. Coming back from behind to win a game is not an easy task. This is the same team that played together at the U-17 level before earning promotion to the U-20. So that compactness is still there and I think they prove it by fetching the desired result. The GFA also has done extremely well. Catering for four teams simultaneously is not an easy task. We can be proud of them.