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Substitute Hamza Barry emerged as the hero for Gambia, scoring a late winner in the sixth minute of added time to seal their triumph and crush South Sudan's hopes.
Gambia shattered South Sudan's dreams of qualifying for the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Substitute Hamza Barry emerged as the hero for Gambia, scoring a late winner in the sixth minute of added time to seal their triumph and crush South Sudan's hopes.
The clash between Gambia and South Sudan in Suez was a must-win battle for both teams, as they fought tooth and nail to keep their AFCON qualification aspirations alive.
Gambia struck in the third minute; Gambia took the lead courtesy of an unfortunate own goal by Rehan Malong as he attempted to clear a freekick from Musa Barrow.
South Sudan refused to be deterred by the setback and showed incredible resilience. In the 21st minute, Yuel Kuach found the back of the net with a powerful strike from inside the box, capitalizing on Ajak Chol's cross.
With the score level at 1-1 heading into halftime, both teams knew that the next goal could be decisive.
Gambia emerged from the break with renewed determination, and in the 61st minute, Ablie Jallow unleashed a spectacular strike to restore their lead.
As the match entered its dying moments, South Sudan conjured up a glimmer of hope. In the 91st minute, Peter Chol rose high to head home from a corner, capitalizing on a goalkeeper error as he failed to catch the ball.
With the clock ticking down and tensions reaching their peak, substitute Hamza Barry delivered a moment of magic in the sixth minute of added time.
The result propelled Gambia into second place in Group G with nine points, three clear of Congo, who are set to face group leaders Mali in their upcoming match.
Should Mali defeat Congo or play to a draw, then Guinea, who reached the quarter finals of the 2021 AFCON will seal a second consecutive appearance at the tournament finals to be held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
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