The Scorpions of The Gambia were humiliated 2-0 by Mali in their opening game in the ongoing Amilicar Cabral zone II tournament played at the 24 September Stadium in Guinea Bissau on Saturday.

The defeat is first of its kind under Spanish Coach Jose Martinez since he took up his assignment as Head coach of the senior national team.

The first half of the game ended goal-less but at the resumption of the second half pressure was increased on the Gambian defense by the Malians. This resulted in both goals, in the 48th and 70th minutes, and dashed the Scorpions hopes of winning the match despite numerous attempts to score through Habib Kunta, Sainey Touray and Pa Modou Jagne.

The Scorpions will meet Cape Verde today December 3 in their second group match, and will face defending champions, Guinea Conakry on Wednesday, December 5, for the final group match.
 
In order to proceed to the next stage of the tournament, coach Martinez and his boys must at least win their last two matches against Cape Verde and Guinea Conakry respectively.
 
Guinea Conakry drew with Cape Verde goal-less in the other group B opening match.

In group A, Senegal defeated Sierra Leone by a lone goal. Mauritania failed to turn up in this year’s tournament.