Gambia surprise favourites Brazil

By Tim Vickery
BBC Sport, Peru

Gambia came from behind to beat the tournament favourites

On a historic night for Gambian football, the Baby Scorpions came from behind to beat reigning world champions and favourites Brazil 3-1 at the World Under-17 Championship.

There were times during the second half on Saturday night when the crowd in Piura were applauding Gambia's every pass with an 'Olé'.

For a while, the Group D match seemed to be following the script, especially when Brazil took the lead after 23 minutes with a wonderful over-head kick from Igor.

But then the South Americans eased off, seemingly anticipating a comfortable victory, and Gambia made them pay.

A combination of hard work, talent and a slice of luck had Gambia in front before half-time.

The hard work came in their tight marking, blocking Brazil's favoured passes out to the full backs and constantly closing down the man in possession.

This was how they drew level after 27 minutes, the move rounded off by a clever finish at the near post by Abdoulie Mansally.

The talent came from Momodou Ceesay, whose strong runs down the right channel were a constant headache for the Brazil defence.

And the slice of luck came when Ceesay's 45th minute shot deflected off centre-back Sidnei and went through the legs of keeper Felipe.

Brazil came out after the break determined to get back in the game but in the second half, left-back Marcelo was sent off for a foul on George Cole.

With the extra man, Gambia went further ahead with 15 minutes remaining.

A powerful run from Ousman Jallow ended when he was fouled in the area and Jallow himself got up to take the penalty and hold his nerve.

His first kick, to the keeper's right, was acrobatically saved but the referee ruled that Felipe had moved before the ball was kicked and so ordered a retake.

This time Jallow struck high to Felipe's left and sealed the points for Gambia.

There was still time for a flurry of red cards as tempers frayed.

Gambia lost Ebrima Sohna after a wild tackle and not longer after, Brazil substitute Celso went for elbowing Saja Leigh.

No sooner had Leigh recovered, then he too was off the pitch, being dismissed for a bad foul.

Yet the Gambians will be content with the 3-1 win, and another victory against Qatar on Tuesday will take them closer to the quarter-finals.