By Eniola Olatunji

The Scorpions of Gambia n Monday at the Herras El-Hedoud Stadium got a precious own goal gift by 19 year old Defensive Midfielder of Benin Republic, Tamimou Ourou in the 88th minute that made the West Africans beget full 9 points to lead Group C.
Benin had the first half within their grip but were unlucky to get a goal until the Scorpions started the typical night marauding of the dangerous animal that made the Military to give the symbol to the Brigade of Guards.

Benin had 19 shots at goal 5 of them on target against 10 from Gambia; the Beninese were so eager to score holding 364 -334 ball possession but the corner kicks were even 5-5.
Gambia and Benin met in the qualifiers for this tournament Benin won by a lone gal on 11th June 2022 while Gambia won 3-1 on 17th November 20220.
At this tournament final, Gambia beat Tunisia 1-0; Benin played 1-1 with Zambia in the first games while Tunisia played goalless with Benin and Zambia lost to Gambia 0-2.

Gambia led group C with 9 points and 4-0 goals going into the quarters with a clean slate meaning not conceding a goal at all; Tunisia is second with 4 points with 2-2 goals; Benin is third with 2 points scoring one goal and conceding 2 while Zambia sits at the bottom of the table with one pint scoring 2 goals and conceding 5.

Thus Gambia is to meet debutantes Southern Sudan in the quarterfinals on Friday at 1500 hours at Herras Stadium. Benin from Group C is to meet Senegal in the first quarterfinal on Thursday at 1500 hours at Cairo Stadium. Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will meet Congo on Friday at 1800 hours at Cairo Stadium while the Hippos of Uganda on Thursday at 1800 hours at the Suez Canal Stadium will meet Tunisia.