The gallant Scorpions on Saturday ended a five-year wait for a home victory when they emphatically beat Benin 3-1 in the African Nations Cup qualifiers. The victory may have come a bit late to meaningfully help The Gambia in the series, but the win confirms most analysts’ view that there is indeed hope in the team and the stewardship of coach Tom Saintfiest.
After the victory, he told reporters that the players have adequately salvaged their image and restored much confidence. “I want to thank the players for this vital performance,” he said. The coach in turn received praise for his good judgment in executing very effective substitutions. Benin inflicted an early scare with the opening goal late in the first half through Steve Mounie who scored a glancing header.
Lamin Jallow equalized for the home side before passing the buck to debutant Bubacarr Jobe who combined with Ablie Jallow to score the second and third goals, respectively.
