The team, led by the chairman of the Gambia Football Association (GFA) Normalisation Committee went to State House to brief the vice president on their recent achievements.

Receiving the team, VP Njie-Saidy expressed her appreciation for the good job done by the team. She also told the players that every Gambian appreciates them, because of the zeal and determination they have so far demonstrated. “Once you have the zeal and the determination, you always win, but if you fear your opponents you lose the game,” she said.

The vice president stated that history has repeated itself, while recalling the achievements registered by the former Male U-17 in 2005. She used the opportunity to commend the Normalisation Committee for the commitment shown, and went on to single out its chairman, O.B Conateh, as someone who loves sports and had also gained international recognition.

“We just want to encourage you and pray for you because you have started putting the country to the world map again,” she stated, adding that the president has already done his part by elevating the name of the country to a higher height.

VP Njie-Saidy reminded the gathering that the president has invested a lot in sports, stressing that it is time for sports to give back. She opined that what a man can do, a women can do even better, saying, “this is why the president is behind you always”. She added that the determination in the girls proves that they can win the World's biggest trophy.

For his part, Alieu Jammeh, the minister of Youth and Sports also commended the team for a job well done.

He said that the Gambian leader has created an enabling environment where one can desire and achieve whatever he or she wishes. He also recalled that history was made in the year 2005 when the first U17 male team participated in the World Cup in Peru.

“The government of The Gambia and Ministry of Youth and Sports will make all the resources available to ensure that the trophy is brought from Azerbaijan,” he promised.

He finally paid tribute to the outgoing GFA executive for the service they rendered to Gambian football, adding that the journey to Azerbaijan began with them.

Fatou Mbye, the chairperson of the National Women Council said the whole country is proud of the female U-17 team, while commending the Normalisation Committee for its efforts in bringing the team to the vice president for blessing and prayers. She also acknowledged that the government has invested a lot in sports and indicated that as women, whatever they are set to do, they do it to the best of their ability.

The chairman of theNormalisation Committee, Alhaji O.B Conateh, also hailed the team. He told the vice president that the team had undergone a very hectic journey before they finally qualified for the World Cup. He assured that the girls would do their best at the tournament. “These girls are young and they cherish the support you have given them,” the GFA boss stated.

Buba Jallow, the head coach of the team told the vice president that the girls have qualified for the World Cup because of the courage, passion, willingness and determination they have in playing for their country.