Razeen Gutta
Gambia, the lowest ranked team at Afcon 2021, stunned Guinea on Monday night to progress to the quarter finals of the tournament.
The Scorpions of Gambia are ranked 150 in the FIFA world rankings and only just managed to qualify for the tournament proper after a thrilling preliminary round penalty shootout win against Djibouti back in October 2019.
The side from the smallest mainland country in Africa showed from the onset of the tournament, though, that they were not just there to make up the numbers.
An unbeaten group stage performance was backed up by determination and grit as they went neck in neck with the once runners up of the competition this evening.
The National Elephants of Guinea, ranked 72nd in the world, were led out by Roma star Amadou Diawara after Liverpool man Naby Keita missed out due to suspension.
On the other hand, Gambia skipper Musa Barrow was the difference maker for his side. His 72nd minute strike was the only goal of the game.
Despite some late drama with both sides picking up late red cards, the Scorpions managed to hold on to that lead.
To make their dream run even sweeter, the president of Gambia Football Federation Lamin Kaba Bajo announced a $10,000 reward for each member of the team.
Gambia will take on Cameroon in the quarter finals after their 2-1 win against Comoros.
