In recent news, the Gambia national team coach Tom Saintfie named his 28 man squad for the Gambia’s first-ever AFCON experience. The team includes some of the country’s most talented and experienced stars in football. In a publication by CAFOnline.com, the Belgian coach said, “The squad is selected based on the principles that we have to look ahead on what we need looking t” I believe that this team is the team which deserve to be at AFCON, and which has all the qualities show something at the tournament”, he added.

The team includes former Manchester United youngster Saidy Janko, the talented young midfielder Ebrima Darboe of Roma, Assan Ceesay, who scored the historic qualifying goal and Sampdoria defender Omar Colley. The squad wasn’t complete without the experienced trio Pa Modou Jagne, Bubacarr Sanneh and Modou Jobe. Although they didn’t appear in recent friendlie”font-weight: 400;”>Spearheading Gambia’s AFCON historic qualification and guiding the West African country for many years even when struggling with limited resources, Saintfie knowledge and familiarity with Gambian football can never be underestimated. Many have hailed him for this outstanding achievement.

The team is expected to leave for Qatar for a pre-tournament camp next week while playing Algeria and Syria on 1st and 5th January, respectively, in Doha. The Scorpions will then fly to Cameroon on 7th January 2022. Gambians, including Fans, sports workers, and even the footballs themselves, are looking forward to an exciting and successful performance in Cameroon.

Below is the complete list of the squad. (Source: BBC Sport)

The Gambia squad for Afcon 2021

Goalkeepers: Baboucarr Gaye (Rot-Weiss Koblenz, Germany), Sheikh Sibi (Virtus Verona, Italy), Modou Jobe (Black Leopards, South Africa).

Defenders: Pa Modou Jagne (FC Dietikon, Switzerland), Omar Colley (Sampdoria, Italy), James Gomez (AC Horsens, Denmark), Noah Sonko Sundberg (Ostersund, Sweden), Bubacarr Sanneh (Unattached), Ibou Touray (Salford City, England), Saidy Janko (Real Valladolid, Spain), Mohammed Mbye (Solvesborg, Sweden).

Midfielders: Ebrima Sohna (Fortune FC, The Gambia), Dawda Ngum (Bronshoj, Denmark), Sulayman Marreh (Gent, Belgium), Ebrima Darboe (Roma, Italy), Yusupha Bobb (Piacenza, Italy), Ebou Adams (Forest Green Rovers, England), Musa Barrow (Bologna, Italy), Ablie Jallow (Seraing, Belgium), Steve Trawally (Ajman, UAE), Ebrima Colley (Spezia, Italy).

Forwards: Lamin Jallow (Fehervar, Hungary), Bubacarr Jobe (Norrby, Sweden), Assan Ceesay (FC Zurich, Switzerland), Muhammed Badamosi (Kortrijk, Belgium), Modou Barrow (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, South Korea), Dembo Darboe (Shakhtyor Soligorsk, Belarus), Yusupha Njie (Boavista, Portugal).