Five successful spot-kicks send Gambia to maiden Zone A U17 crown

Gambia’s Baby Scorpions have won the UFOA-A U17 championship for the first time, beating Senegal 5-4 on penalties after a goalless final at the Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium in Dakar.

The match remained scoreless throughout normal time, with neither side able to break through in a tense and closely contested final. The title was therefore decided from the penalty spot, where Gambia held their nerve to secure a landmark victory.

The result gives Gambia’s Under-17 side their first championship in the history of the Zone A competition organised by the Union des Federations Ouest-Africaines de Football (UFOA-A).

Gambia keep their composure

The Baby Scorpions faced sustained pressure in a final that offered little between the two teams. Both defences stood firm during the match, ensuring that the outcome would be settled by a shootout rather than an open-play goal.

Gambia converted five penalties, while Senegal scored four. That narrow advantage was enough to deliver the trophy and establish the young Scorpions as champions of the UFOA-A U17 tournament.

The players celebrated with great joy at the final whistle, after a performance built on defensive resilience and composure during the decisive shootout. Their success completed the team’s campaign at the top of Zone A and brought the country its first title in the competition.

Landmark moment for Gambian football

The triumph in Dakar represents a significant moment for football in Gambia. The country’s Under-17 team had never previously appeared on the roll of honour for the UFOA-A U17 championship.

By overcoming Senegal in such a closely fought final, the Baby Scorpions have added a historic trophy to the national game’s record. The victory also highlights the ability of Gambia’s young players to compete successfully on the West African stage.

The 5-4 shootout success means Gambia leave the tournament as champions of the UFOA-A U17 competition, having secured a first title that will be remembered as a defining achievement for the country’s youth football.