U-17 AFCON: Drammeh hat-trick leads the way in Gambia's thumping of Somalia

Photo Credit: Gambia Football Federation

Gambian striker Alieu Drammeh snatched the spotlight on Friday at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring a hat-trick for the Scorpions in a 5-1 thrashing of Somalia in Group C.

Drammeh opened the scoring inside four minutes with a penalty kick before doubling his tally in the 16th minute. Bubacar Susso provided a flick on header from a cross to set up Drammeh for a routine finish as Gambia asserted their dominance over an overmatched Somali side.

More misfortune ended the first half for Somalia when a big deflection from a Gambian shot attempt left goalkeeper Abdiasis Ahmed helpless, making the score 3-0 in favor of the Scorpions. Somalia did show signs of life in the second half and managed to claw a goal back through Anas Isse soon after the resumption.

But in the end the Gambian team were too much. Drammeh's precision header from a corner kick in the 76th minute made it 4-1 and Bisenty Mendy added one more goal late. Gambia will face Tunisia in their Group C finale on Monday while Somalia clash with group favorites Senegal.

Group C Table

	GP	Points
Senegal	1	3
Tunisia	1	3
Gambia	2	3
Somalia	2	0

• The top two teams qualify for the quarterfinals and the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

• The four third place finishers from all groups qualify for a playoff, from which two teams will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.