By Lamarana S Jallow
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Honourable Bakary Y. Badjie, on Thursday, March 27th, 2025 officially presented the national flag to The Gambia’s U-17 national team at the National Technical Training Centre (NTTC) in Old Yundum. The ceremony marked the team’s official send-off to the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The event was attended by sports officials, including National Sports Council (NSC) Acting Executive Director Mahmoud L. Jawla and Gambia Football Federation (GFF) President Lamin KabaBajo.
In his remarks, Minister Badjie reaffirmed the government’s support for the team’s World Cup qualification ambitions. He recalled The Gambia’s past U-17 AFCON triumphs in 2005 and 2009, and expressed confidence in their ability to secure a third title.
GFF President Bajo acknowledged the government’s backing; while NSC’s Acting Executive Director Jawla and GFF First Vice President Bakary Jammeh extended their congratulations and best wishes to the team.
The two-time champions departed The Gambia for Morocco last Thursday, marking their return to the U-17 AFCON after more than a decade. They will kick off their Group C campaign against Senegal in El Jadida on Monday, March 31st, 2025.
