After mixed fortunes for Africa’s representatives at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup on Sunday, it was more of the same on Monday as Tunisia and The Gambia got their tournaments underway in Argentina. Tunisia fell to a 1-0 defeat against Group E favorites England but The Gambia are off and running following a thrilling 2-1 victory over Honduras in Group F. The Gambia will attempt to follow up their victory with a good performance against France on Thursday while Tunisia face Iraq.
The Gambia got off to an electric start thanks to the finishing of striker Adama Bojang. The Steve Biko FC forward produced a brilliant strike from distance in the opening minute to put the Young Scorpions in the lead, a goal that was matched by Honduras attacker Marco Aceituno minutes later due to some slack defending from the Gambian team. Bojang restored The Gambia’s lead in the 84th minute after his header was saved from a corner kick and the striker followed up to smash the rebound home. Honduras made a late push to equalize but Daniel Carter’s potential goal was ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee for a narrow offsides decision.
Tunisia gave England a firm challenge but Dane Scarlett’s 25th goal stood as the match winner. The Tunisian team kept England within reach and occasionally came close to the equalizer, particularly in the second half. However the Carthage Eaglets will need a victory against Iraq in their next match with a duel against Uruguay to close out their group stage campaign.
Highlights from The Gambia’s victory are below.
Scores
Tunisia 0-1 England
The Gambia 2-1 Honduras
Highlights
The Gambia 2-1 Honduras
