Gambia still has a slim but tantalizing chance of qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and their upcoming clash against Algeria on March 22 could prove pivotal. The Scorpions, currently with five points, need a win against the already-qualified Fennecs, while also hoping for a draw between Benin (7 points) and Togo (5 points) in Cotonou. Success in both matches would see Gambia snatch the second qualifying spot in Group E, setting the stage for a historic achievement.
Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet is fully aware of the challenge but remains determined to orchestrate a Gambia upset in Algeria, a feat that has not been accomplished by his team in over three decades. “We know Algeria will be the favorite in this match, but we’re going to fight to try and secure Gambia’s first away win. It hasn’t happened in over 30 years,” Saintfiet told Le Buteur.
To prepare, Saintfiet has organized a three-day training camp in Casablanca, Morocco, before traveling to Algiers on Thursday. The coach remains cautious, acknowledging Algeria’s quality under Djamel Belmadi, but sees this as an opportunity for his team to make history. Gambia has already shown they can compete with the North Africans, having held them to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at home on September 8, 2018. That result gives the Scorpions confidence heading into the decisive encounter.
The stakes are high. Gambia is currently just two points behind Benin, and a positive result could catapult them into Egypt for the continental tournament. “We’re aware of the significance of this match. Our players are ready to give it their all,” Saintfiet emphasized, highlighting the determination that will be required to overcome one of Africa’s strongest national teams on their own turf.
However, Gambia will face the challenge with a slightly depleted squad. Assan Ceesay and Lamin Jallow are suspended due to yellow card accumulation, while Mustapha Carayol, Moussa Njie, Yushupha Bobb, and Pa Moudou are sidelined by injury. Despite these absences, the 20-player squad called up is expected to arrive in Banjul on Monday, March 18, before departing for Casablanca for final preparations.
Algeria, leading Group E with 10 points, has already secured qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. This allows them some flexibility in team selection, but the Fennecs will remain a formidable opponent. For Gambia, the task is clear: win against a top-ranked side, hope for a favorable result elsewhere, and make history by reaching their second-ever Africa Cup of Nations.
With meticulous preparation and a resilient mindset, the Scorpions aim to defy the odds in Blida. The March 22 clash promises to be a high-stakes, tension-filled encounter, where ambition, strategy, and determination will define whether Gambia can pull off one of the tournament qualifiers’ most stunning surprises.
