By: Madi Senghore
President Adama Barrow has presented a D2 million cheque to The Gambia’s U-17 national team in recognition of their victory at the 2026 WAFU Zone A U-17 Championship in Senegal.
The presentation was made at State House on Monday, September 28, following the team’s return from Dakar, where they defeated hosts Senegal on penalties to win the regional title.
The Baby Scorpions drew 0-0 with Senegal in the final before winning the penalty shootout 5-3, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The victory secured The Gambia’s first WAFU Zone A U-17 title and qualification for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The team was received by President Barrow alongside Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y. Badjie, Gambia Football Federation President Kemo Ceesay, head coach Yaya Manneh and other officials.
According to the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), President Barrow congratulated the players and urged them to replicate their regional success at the upcoming continental championship in Morocco.
The Minister of Youth and Sports described the team’s performance as exceptional, while head coach Manneh expressed appreciation for the support from the government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The Gambia’s victory in Dakar capped an unbeaten campaign and saw the Baby Scorpions secure their place among the teams representing the WAFU Zone A at the next U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
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