Gambiaj.com – (BERKANE, Morocco) – In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Gambia secured their first victory of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign by thrashing Seychelles 5-1 at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Saturday. This emphatic win propels Gambia up the ranks in Group F, leaving Seychelles still searching for their first points after three matches.

From the outset, Gambia showcased their intent, with Muhammed Badamosi opening the scoring in the 10th minute. Badamosi capitalized on a precise cross from Omar Gaye, nodding the ball home from the center of the box.

Seychelles briefly revived their hopes in the 14th minute when Ryan Henriette found the back of the net with a clinical finish from the center of the box. Despite this equalizer, Gambia maintained their dominance, and the first half ended with a 1-1 scoreline.

The second half saw Gambia in an unstoppable form. Just three minutes after the restart, Musa Barrow restored Gambia’s lead by converting a penalty with a powerful shot to the high center of the goal.

Yankuba Minteh further extended the lead in the 55th minute, rifling a right-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Barrow. The relentless Gambian attack continued to overwhelm Seychelles, with Badamosi heading in his second goal of the match in the 66th minute, once again assisted by Barrow.

The final goal came in the 78th minute when Adama Sidibeh nodded in from the center of the box following a well-placed cross from Alasana Manneh, sealing Seychelles’ fate.

Despite their efforts, Seychelles struggled to match Gambia’s intensity, and the numerous substitutions by both teams failed to alter the momentum of the game.

This comprehensive victory not only boosts Gambia’s morale but also sets a promising tone as they prepare to face Gabon on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Seychelles will need to regroup quickly as they host Burundi, aiming to secure their first points of the campaign.