The Colombians are happy to have survived Gambia’s last minute attacks which almost lead to their first defeat in the competition. Hence they are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that such errors are eliminated in the knockout stage having qualified.The African champions have been sent home.
The Colombia Coach said during the post match conference at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar that he will work on the lapses before their second round game.
“I didn’t come here to bargain for a draw, but the players made some errors in the first half and conceded two goals that later became costly for my team,” said Ramiro Viafara, whose team came back in the second half to secure a 2-2 draw.
“With such circumstance, I am happy for the draw because we’re through to the knockout stage, which will be more demanding on the players. I thank God that we’re still in the competition.”
Gambia roared into the lead with the first strike when a close angle shot by was the captain Bojang Ebrima was lowered by Cristian Bonilla and onrushing Lamin Sarjo Samateh was lucky to stay on and fired the ball home in the 19th minute to complement their earlier efforts.
It was followed up with the second goal before the half time break when Ebrima Bojang nodded home a free-kick from inside the area for his second goal of the finals in the 42 minutes.
Colombia could not make any strong goal moves apart from mere trials in this half. But they came back very strong in the second half and got a goal through a Gustavo Cuellar’s weak shot from the edge of the box, which was however deflected past goalkeeper, Ceesay into the net.
Again fortune came their way when referee Howard Webb awarded them a penalty in the 89th minute The first kick was saved by Ceesay, but had to be re-taken after the keeper moved too early and Cuellar this time drive the ball past the keeper.