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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Mendy missed an interception before the goal</li><li>Gambia can only qualify as a best third-placed team</li><li>Hopes of progression hanging by a thread</li></ul>

Wrexham star Jacob Mendy has a moment to forget as he marks AFCON debut with horrible mistake which sees Gambia all but eliminated following defeat to Guinea

Mendy made his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/wrexham-jacob-mendy-gambia-squad-in-good-health-plane-ordeal-afcon-senegal/blt9b69928b209cb1b0" target="_blank">first appearance in the tournament for Gambia</a> on Friday night, in a game that his country really needed to win. Having lost to Senegal in their opening match, Gambia needed a victory to have any chance of progressing as either group winners or runners-up.However, Mendy missed an interception in the build-up to Aguibou Camara's goal in the 69th minute that gave Guinea all three points.

WHAT HAPPENED?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">"Finally, the breakthrough is made!" 💪 Aguibou Camara snatches the lead for Guinea ⚽ <a href="https://t.co/xNNtMGUmcs">pic.twitter.com/xNNtMGUmcs</a>— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1748459101917438342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

WATCH THE CLIP

The AFCON does allow third-placed teams to qualify for the knockout stages, with the four best third-placed teams progressing. Gambia can still qualify through that path, but they would need to beat Cameroon on the final matchday of the group stage, on Tuesday, and hope that three points is enough for progression.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mendy has been a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/jacob-mendy-wrexham-red-dragons-goal-of-the-month-award/blt7aadbc040b4cb0a0" target="_blank">key player for Wrexham this season</a>, playing as a right-back and a left-back, and has made 19 appearances in League Two. He has scored two goals and registered five assists in that time.

DID YOU KNOW?

It remains to be seen if he will be included in the team when Gambia take on Cameroon in their final group game. Cameroon also need a win, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ismaila-sarr-senegal-cameroon-marseille-afcon-andre-onana-manchester-united/blt4b21345a0a2feee9" target="_blank">having lost 3-1 to Senegal earlier on Friday</a>, and drawn 1-1 with Guinea in their opener.

WHAT NEXT FOR MENDY?

Wrexham star Jacob Mendy has a moment to forget as he marks AFCON debut with horrible mistake which sees Gambia all but eliminated following defeat to Guinea | Goal.com Cameroon

Wrexham star Jacob Mendy marked his African Cup of Nations debut with a dismal error which proved costly in a 1-0 defeat to Guinea on Friday.