Njogu Demba scored two goals and assisted another as Gambia thrashed visiting Liberia 3-0 in the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday at the Independence Stadium.

The convincing result saw the Scorpions leapfrog Senegal into second place and threw Group Six table wide open for any of the sides apart from Liberia having the chance of clinching the group's automatic ticket to the second phase of the qualifiers.

With  Algeria beating Senegal 3-2 to claim the top spot on nine points on Friday, there was huge pressure on the Scorpions to grab the maximum points against the Lone Star on Saturday to remain in the race.

Expectedly, Paul Put and his side proved they were up to the task when Norway-based striker opened the scoring in the 8th minute.

The athletic striker, who was widely critisised for his lack of scoring, set up striker partner, Ousman Jallow, to double the advantage on the half hour mark.

Demba, who plays for Norwegian champions SK Bann, put the game beyond doubt ten minutes to the final whistle with a strike from the edge of the box.

The Gambia can progress to the next phase of the qualifier if they beat Senegal in Dakar on October 11, but group leaders Algeria must drop points against Liberia (though a least probability) before the Scorpions grab the automatic ticket.
Liberia are already out of contention as they have just two points with only one game left.