Gambia overcame Honduras in their first game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup at Mendoza Stadium in Argentina on Monday, winning 2-1.
The most prestigious youth national-team tournament in men's football started on 20th May 2023, in Argentina instead of Indonesia after the Asian host refused to welcome Israel's squad.
The Gambian talent Adama Bojang opened the score for the African team in the first 20 seconds of the game. Four minutes later, Marco Aceituno equalized for the Honduran national team. Gambia's Bojang stepped up in the 84th minute of the game, scoring the decisive goal to put his national team at the top of Group F.
FT’ | The Gambia 🇬🇲 2-1 🇭🇳 Honduras
Adama Bojang picked it up from where he stopped by scoring a brace to give The Gambia a bright star of their U20 World Cup campaign winning 2-1 against Honduras.
The young Scoprions opened their tournament with a winning start having France… pic.twitter.com/M40MDme5gn
— The Alkamba Times (@TheAlkambaTimes) May 22, 2023
Adama Bojang is a big game player. He scored four goals and assisted one in six games at the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), helping his team reach the U20 AFCON final against Senegal and qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
A lot of clubs should be keeping a close eye on this Gambia U20 side. One who has consistently caught my eye is Adama Bojang. Was stellar at U20 AFCON; has started U20 WC with a goal after 20 seconds and showing glimpses of his quality here too. Reminds me a lot of Tammy Abraham.
— CFC Central (@CFCCentral3) May 22, 2023
The Gambia U20 national team is sharing the lead in their group with South Korea, who won against France. The representative of Africa in Group F will now face France U20 on Thursday, 25th May, and South Korea U20 on Sunday, 26th May.
Congratulations 🎊 team Gambia 🇬🇲 U20 scorpions 🦂 for your victory against Honduras 🇭🇳 in the fifa U20 tournament in Argentina 🇦🇷.
Adama Bojang with a brace helping Gambia joint top of the table with Republica De Corea
Vamos team 💪 👏 Gambia bring on the next game!!!!! pic.twitter.com/41Nso2AFkX
— Paul Steven Prierra🇬🇲 (@PaulPrierra) May 23, 2023
African National Teams in the FIFA U-20 World Cup
A total of 24 nations are competing against each other for the coveted FIFA U-20 World Cup crown. Africa is represented by four countries – Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, and Gambia.
Nigeria
The Flying Eagles opened their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win against the Dominican Republic, winning three precious points in a group with Italy and Brazil. Nigeria is set to face Italy U20 on Wednesday, the 24th, and Brazil on Saturday, the 27th.
🚨Nigeria’s Flying Eagles earned the first three points of Group D of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina after an own goal by Guillermo De Rena and a smart finish by Samson Lawal steered them beyond Dominican Republic in Mendoza.
They play Italy next on Wednesday evening. pic.twitter.com/Q1CKu5lKSN
— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) May 22, 2023
Senegal
2023 U20 FIFA World Cup in Argentina 🇦🇷
Senegal did everything right except to put the ball in the back of the net.
FT: Senegal 🇸🇳 0 – 1 Japan 🇯🇵 #FIFAU20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/nRV3zv1r1H
— Soka25east.com (@soka25east) May 22, 2023
The African champions dropped points in their opening game, losing 1-0 against Japan. They will be eager to win their next FIFA World Cup match against Israel to continue their journey in the tournament. They will play their last group-stage game against Colombia on Saturday, the 27th.
Tunisia
FIFA U20 World Cup: England 1-0 Tunisia, narrow win for the European champions. They dominated the match but lacked cutting edge in front of goal against a highly defensive side. Expect them to struggle against stronger sides.
Tunisia could have equalised on a couple of… https://t.co/mYBJ06BUhX
— Mohamed El Gharbawy (@Gharbawy) May 22, 2023
Tunisia is the only North African team to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. However, they didn't get off to the best start, losing 1-0 to England. They are set to face their Arab neighbours, Iraq, on Thursday, the 25th, and Uruguay on Monday, the 28th.
The top two teams in each group, and the four best third-place finishers, will advance to the Round of 16, which starts on the 30th. Nigeria, Tunisia, Senegal, and Gambia will look to progress and win the ultimate crown. Ghana remains the only African national team to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup. They won the tournament in 2009 after defeating Brazil on penalty shootouts in the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FIFA U-20 World Cup
What is the FIFA U-20 World Cup?
The FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023 in Argentina sees young talent from 24 national teams spanning six confederations contest the underage showpiece event.
Who is in the Nigeria U20 squad for the World Cup 2023?
The Flying Eagles squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup includes Nathaniel Nwosu, Chijioke Aniagboso, Saheed Jimoh, John Otomblon, Augustine Njoku, Ezekiel Bala, Muhammad Abdulsalam, Solomon Agbalaka, Israel Domingo, Benjamin Frederick, Femi Abubakar, Daniel Bameyi, Wisdom Udoh, and Akinwale Akanbi.
How many times has Nigeria won the U20 World Cup?
Nigeria's Flying Eagles have participated in the FIFA U-20 World Cup on 12 previous occasions but have never lifted the prestigious trophy. While the team may not be considered favourites to win the tournament this time, they possess a rich footballing heritage and an abundance of young talent.
How many teams qualify for the U20 World Cup?
The 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup features 24 countries divided into six groups of four teams. The participating nations hail from Asia (4 spots), Africa (4), North America (4), South America (4), Oceania (2), and Europe (5), with Argentina participating as the host nation.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
