By Landing Ceesay
The Scorpions of the Gambia shot-stopper against Tunisia Baboucarr Gaye said saving the penalty in the game boosted his confidence.
“I think you could see in my reactions after saving that penalty. I was so happy and it boosts my confidence. Alhamdulillah, I think it is the best that can happen to a goalkeeper. If you have your first game no matter where you save a penalty, it is the best start you can, in a game. I am so happy at the moment. But right now, I will enjoy it. We have to focus on the next game now,” Gaye told Journalists shortly after Gambia’s win against Tunisia.
The Gambian shot stopper said their win is not only about him but it is for the whole team; adding that winning the match is more important and made him happier than winning the ‘Man of the Match’ award.
“In the dressing room, we all came together as a team. Because having heard motivational speeches from that moment everyone was focused on his role. So, I think that pressure was not on our heads. I just tried to stick to my role and deliver for the team. Tunisia is a quality team. We knew it was going to be a hard game because they love to kick the ball around, and we just tried to defend as much as we can. So, we have done great today,” Gaye said.
Gaye expressed delight at fulfilling his childhood dream of representing the Gambia at the Africa Cup of Nations, which means a lot to him.
“As a young kid, you start your journey and you always dream of performing on a big stage. If you hear the anthem of the nation on the pitch, you can make a whole country proud for 90 minutes. It is just amazing. It is a dream for every kid to make his country proud and I am happy that I fulfilled it right now,” he said.
Tunisia were awarded a penalty in the stoppage time of the first half, after Gambian’s Captain, Pa Modou Jagne, brought down Seifeddine Jaziri in the box.
Jaziri stepped up for Tunisia, but the Gambian goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye who was later crowned man of the match for his extraordinary performance saved his effort.