By Lamarana S. Jallow
It is match day all the way in the Ivorian capital of Yamoussoukro, where The Gambia, in a historic bout, lock horns with neighbouring arch rivals and defending champions, Senegal, in the 2023 edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Gambian Scorpions are buoyed by their back-to-back qualification to the AFCON, following an impressive debut in Cameroon.
As the Gambian delegation joins the scorpions, the Minister of Youth and Sports solicit prayers for scorpions and entourage for the most importantly to earn a victory over Senegal.
Speaking ahead of today’s derby match, in a press conference, the confident Gambian gaffer, Tom Saintfeit had this to say: “We are ready to play against Senegal. We are a young team and we are happy to be here.
Even though we are the lowest-ranking team here, my team is ready for it. The experience of the last AFCON was amazing and we enjoyed it”.
He emphasised that despite being a young team, his side are not afraid of anyone, citing the impressive records against big opponents like Mauritania and Guinea - both of which they defeated while drawing against Mali in group stage of the last AFCON.
The coach confirmed that Abdoulie Jallow and Ebrima Colley cannot play because of the yellow cards, while Yankuba Minteh is a doubt due to injury
Also speaking was Captain Omar Colley who said they respect Senegal as they are the defending champions but that they are ready to play.
“We have qualified in the hard way; so we are not here just to play football. We are here to compete and ready to win matches. So we are ever motivated and ready to fight”.
The Gambian government officials left for Yamoussoukro on Saturday morning through the government chartered flight. The delegation is led by the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Mr. Bakary Y. Badjie, who was accompanied by Deputy Speaker of the The Gambia National Assembly, Mr.Seedy SK Njie, Permanent Secretary (MoYS) Ndey Marie Njie , Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs-The Gambia Mr Habibi TB Jarra, and other senior government officials, football administrators, media personnel, and fans.
