Group 8: Gambia 0-0 Senegal

Gambia came close to a shock victory over Senegal, but had to settle for a scoreless draw at the conclusion of an intense but sporting Group 8 clash.

In front of a roaring crowd generating a great atmosphere, the Scorpions threatened Senegal goalkeeper Tony Sylva on several occasions in the first half.

But they could not find the composure to put away the decisive goal.

The home side even had the best chance of the second half, when defender Kemo Ceesay found himself with only Sylva to beat.

Unfortunately for the full house at the Independence Stadium Ceesay's finish demonstrated clearly why he is not a striker.

Missed chances

There were few indications of a Gambian victory as the match kicked off, because within a minute Senegal should have scored.

Gambian midfielder Sheriff Samba and goalkeeper Pa Demba Touray combined to give away a stupid freekick, after Touray picked up Samba's ill-advised back pass.

Touray redeemed himself by palming Ousmane Ndoye's close range shot to safety.

Ndoye was one of several unfamiliar faces in the Senegal team.

Gambia meanwhile were only missing one player, winger Edrissa Sonko, and they swiftly took the upper hand.

Ebou Sillah showed his quality on a couple of occasions, most notably lobbing the ball over Tall's head before smashing a volley just over the bar.

Anderlecht youngster Arthur Gomez came closest to scoring, launching a fierce shot that Silva had to be alert to tip over the bar.

While that save demonstrated Silva's qualities, it was a rare good moment for the Monaco keeper.

Gambia still top

All the same, the Lions made it to half time without conceding a goal, and they were the stronger of the two teams in the second half.

African player of the year El Hadji Diouf was at the heart of many of Senegal's best moves, but it was substitute Mamadou Niang who had the best chance.

As the game drew to a close the Metz striker raced on to Henri Camara's perfect pass, but could not force the ball past goalkeeper Pa Demba Touray's outstretched legs.

That meant the game finished scoreless, and the "cousins," as Gambia and Senegal know each other, were unable to be separated.

Gambia still lead group eight by virtue of a superior goal difference.