This is a historic qualification – Gambia forward Ceesay

Gambia forward revels in Afcon qualification

JOHANNESBURG, April 14 (ANA) – Gambia’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will be remembered as a moment to cherish for many lifetimes according to forward Assan Ceesay.

Gambia finished top of qualifier Group D, ahead of Gabon in second, while Democratic Republic of Congo missed out as they finished third on the table. It was Gambia’s first-ever qualification for Afcon.

Gambia forward Assan Ceesay told CafOnline.com: ”It is an incredible thing that’s difficult to explain, because for 69 years (since the formation of the football association) we never qualified for a senior national team major tournament. So, this is a historic qualification.”

In fact, Gambia booked their spot at Afcon with a game to spare as they beat Angola 1-0 in their penultimate group match – with Ceesay providing the strike which sent his nation through to the African showpiece event.

“I’m so lucky to be the one who scored the goal that qualified The Gambia to the Total Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.”

The 27-year-old Ceesay said the goal against Angola was one of the proudest of his career.

“The image of me scoring the goal against Angola will forever remain in my mind.

“When I look at the image it feels like I scored right now and it is a feeling that will live with me forever, because it is an unforgettable moment.

“What the goal brought to the Gambian people and myself is just incredible, and I will never forget it for the rest of my life.” – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman