Gambians Abroad: Fadera and Ebou Adams score crucial goals in Sunday action

Sunday was a productive day for Gambian players abroad, with Alieu Fadera scoring the match winner for Serie A side Sassuolo while Ebou Adams produced a timely equalizer for his first goal since joining Portsmouth FC.

In his third match since joining Portsmouth from fellow EFL Championship side Derby County, Gambia national team midfielder Adams nodded in an equalizer as Pompey claimed a point off fierce rivals Southampton in a 1-1 draw.

Fratton Park featured an intense derby atmosphere in a match between two teams battling in the lower half of the table in the English second tier. In the end, it was the hosts who were left satisfied after battling back to draw. After Leo Scienza gave visitors Southampton the lead, a 77th minute corner kick led to a scramble in front of goal and Adams leaped up to head in an equalizer that sent the home supporters into bedlam.

THE GENERAL. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/v8mwam3rH9

— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) January 25, 2026

With the result, Portsmouth are one point out of the relegation zone in 21st place, with Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United close behind. Adams already appears to be earning the admiration of Pompey supporters and an important goal against their hated rivals will only endear himself further beyond his spirited performances in the midfield.

Over in Italy, Alieu Fadera’s second goal of the season gave Sassuolo their first Serie A victory in nearly two months with a 1-0 result for the hosts against fellow midtable side Cremonese.

On loan from fellow top flight side Como after failing to establish a regular place in his parent club’s starting eleven, Fadera made a timely contribution less than two minutes into the match. After Armand Lauriente’s long range effort was spilled by Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero, Fadera reacted quickest to finish from the rebound for the only goal of the match.

It is the 24-year-old’s first goal for Sassuolo since mid-September, but his Man of the Match performance ended a 7-match winless streak for the club from the north. Sassuolo move into 11th place following the result.