The ‘Maknae On Top’ match between Kim Ji-soo and Adama Bojang (Gambia) attracted the attention of fans.스포츠토토
South Korea and Gambia drew 0-0 in the final match of Group C of the 2023 FIFA Under 20 (U-20) World Cup group stage at Mendoza Stadium in Mendoza, Argentina on the 29th (hereinafter Korean time). Gambia entered the tournament with 2 wins and 1 draw, and Korea Republic recorded 1 win and 2 draws.
Both teams had already confirmed their advance to the round of 16. In this tournament, the top 12 teams in each group A to F and the top 4 teams in each group will advance to the round of 16. Gambia and South Korea entered the final game with at least a ‘3rd wild card’ securing their place in the tournament. It was a game where injury prevention and card management were given priority.
Director Kim Eun-joong took out a rotation card and held it up. Moon Hyeon-ho (Chungnam Asan) replaced goalkeeper Kim Joon-hong (Gimcheon Sangmu), who left due to accumulated warnings. Hwang In-taek (Seoul E-Land) started the game instead of Choi Seok-hyeon (Dankook University), who was unable to participate due to the suspension penalty. In addition, coach Kim changed 5 places compared to the second game against Honduras. Lee Young-joon (Gimcheon Sangmu) Lee Seung-won (Gangwon FC) Kang Seong-jin (FC Seoul) Kim Ji-soo (Seongnam FC) changed all positions.
Born in 2004, Kim Ji-soo, the “core of defense,” stepped on the ground as a starter this time as well. The special was certain. It was to prevent the guarantee of ‘Gambia Ace’.
Bojang is famous as the grandson of coach Abdulli Bojang, who leads the Gambia national team. Bojang, born in 2004, scored 4 goals and 1 assist in 6 matches at the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. He led Gambia to a runner-up finish. In the first match against Honduras, he cheered as he opened the scoring just 20 seconds into the game. He performed well by scoring two goals in two group stage matches of this tournament.
A fierce battle of nerves unfolded between Kim Ji-soo, who had to be blocked, and the guarantee, who had to be pierced. The highlight was the set piece situation. In a situation where Korea was attacking, Bojang held onto Kim Ji-soo and stretched. When Korea had to defend, Kim Ji-soo marked the guarantee closely. The referee had to stop the fierce battle of nerves between the two players.
The two, born in 2004, are known to have received interest from the English Premier League (EPL) ahead of this tournament. Kim Ji-soo is rumored to be transferred to Brentford and guaranteed to Chelsea. The confrontation between the two, considered the future of Korea and Gambia, ended with Kim Ji-soo winning by decision. Kim Ji-soo played full-time and led Korea’s first clean sheet in the tournament. Guarantee was silent. Gambia played their first goalless game of the tournament.