The minister of Youth and Sports, Alieu Kebba Jammeh has expressed delight at what he described as a respectable performance by the Gambia Scorpions. Minister Jammeh was speaking to reporters shortly after the Gambia drew 1-1 with the Atlas Lions of Morocco at the Independence Stadium in Bakau on Saturday.

The Gambia though playing at home were not favourites to win against one of Africa's strongest teams who have players playing all across Europe's top leagues and also boast of French Ligue 1 winner, FC Montpellier's Younis Belhanda. And Jammeh was full of praises for the boys for the respectable performance. "I want to congratulate the boys for giving a respectable performance. There was the zeal, commitment and determination in the boys to get a result in this game," he said.

As to whether he is optimistic that the Gambia can survive the race, Minister Jammeh replied that he is optimistic that Gambia can make it to the African Cup of Nations and World Cup, saying no team can be underrated, citing Zambia, African Champions February triumph at the 2012 continental showpiece event in Gabon as an example.

He added: "The government under the leadership of President Jammeh, a sports loving man has and will continue to give the support in terms of finance, technical assistance where necessary, and to create the enabling environment."