Wednesday 22 April 2020, 07:11

History-making Bah dreaming big with Gambia

  • Gambia appear for first time in FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's Ranking

  • FIFA.com talks to Penda Bah, team captain and star player

  • Bah made history by scoring Gambia's first goal at a FIFA women's tournament

While the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's Ranking highlighted Zambia's marked progress to occupy 100th place, another team also made a strong impression: Gambia. And with good reason.

After a series of friendlies and their participation in the West African Football Union Cup of Nations, the Scorpions debuted in the ranking in 113th place, to the delight of their star Penda Bah.

"It's good for morale and rewards all the efforts made by the players and by our federation to develop women's football in our country," she told FIFA.com. "It proves that, even though we’re a small country, we can do great things when we’re given the means. And while there’s still a lot to be done before we can realise our other dreams, I’m convinced that it’s only a matter of time."

A historic goal

Patience is one of Bah's many virtues. Almost eight years have passed since the midfielder made history for Gambian women’s football by scoring the team’s first goal at a FIFA women's tournament. The setting was the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 and their opponents that day were France, who would go on to take the title.

"Despite our three defeats there, that World Cup still holds great memories for me. And that goal will obviously be etched in my memory forever," she says. "Besides, I never tire of watching replays of it and hearing the commentator shout, 'Penda Bah makes history for the African side!' I’ll never forget it – that goal is right at the top of my playing CV!"

It is a CV that is already impressive for someone so young. Captain of the senior team when just 21, the Brikama native has long carried the hopes of her country. Expectations began in earnest after scoring that goal at Azerbaijan 2012 at the age of 16, with plenty more goals following for her then club Makasuku United.

"It was during this period that I realised I could succeed in football," she explained, "My team, where I was the top scorer, were promoted to Gambia’s second division, after which I devoted all my time to football."

Penda Bah of Gambia in action

A dream move to Dream Stars

The player’s ball skills would not go unnoticed for long. Interior FC, a top-flight club in her country, came calling and Bah decided to move to further her career. Four years later, the Gambian championship had become too small for her immense talent, so the player signed for Dream Stars Ladies, one of the leading sides in Nigeria’s highly regarded Premier League.

"It's a dream come true. I promised myself that one day I’d become a professional footballer... and now it’s happened. I'm very proud of that," she says.

Inevitably, with a trajectory like that, much is expected from the player with the national team. However, this does not unduly worry Bah, despite her young age: "I’m the captain, so it’s only natural that things are expected of me. But I like the pressure, as it helps me stay positive and focused," she admits. "And I’m convinced that the key to success for our team lies first and foremost in working collectively and sharing responsibilities."

With Bah leading by example, it seems the only way is up for Gambia.