Home   Dartford   Sport   Article

Dartford and Gibraltar keeper Deren Ibrahim not put off by international football despite conceding fastest goal in World Cup qualifying history

Goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim took just 8.1 seconds to make history on his international debut for Gibraltar - but that's not put him off wanting more caps.

Gibraltar conceded the fastest-ever World Cup qualifying goal in Monday night’s 6-0 defeat to Belgium as Christian Benteke fired home, and though it may not have been an ideal start to life as an international Ibrahim took it well.

He said: “They could have scored after eight seconds or 80, it was just disappointing collectively as a team, but if Benteke scores the quickest World Cup goal in history then it might as well be against me!

Dartford goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim Picture: Andy Payton
Dartford goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim Picture: Andy Payton

“It was a massive achievement for me and all of the players in the Gibraltar team to play in a World Cup qualifier. Never in a million years did I think I would get the chance to play against players like that.

“Not many people can say they have done that. I made my debut against Belgium and it’s something I will remember all of my life.”

Now Ibrahim has his first cap, and the shirt of Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois, he’s hungry for more.

He said: “Hopefully I can become a regular now. I don’t want to just be a one-cap wonder. I want to be the Gibraltar No.1 I know I need to keep my form up for Dartford to get another call-up. If I can get another chance to play then that would be fantastic.”

Gibraltar are next in action on November 13 against Cyprus, but before that Ibrahim will be chasing another first – making it into round one of the FA Cup.

Standing in Dartford’s way this Saturday are Tonbridge Angels and Ibrahim said: “I have never played past the fourth qualifying round and so that would make it a great few days for me if we can do that.”

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More