Gambia names 24-man squad for pivotal AFCON qualifiers against Comoros and Tunisia

Gambia’s national football team coach, Johnathan McKinstry, has unveiled a 24-man squad set to compete in their final two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches. The Scorpions will face Comoros on November 15 and Tunisia on November 18, with their AFCON qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

Sitting third in their group with five points from four games, Gambia faces a challenging yet promising path to AFCON qualification.

McKinstry’s side must secure maximum points from both matches to guarantee their spot in Morocco.

Alternatively, a victory over Comoros coupled with a draw against Tunisia could also secure qualification, depending on results elsewhere in Group A.

Several fresh faces are included in the squad, with McKinstry introducing new talents to boost Gambia’s campaign.

Making his debut is Alassana Jatta from Notts County in England, alongside Rapid Vienna’s Abubakar Barry and Baboucarr Njie of Oakland County in the United States.

In a further boost, Brighton & Hove Albion’s dynamic forward Yankuba Minteh returns to full fitness and is expected to play a crucial role.

Known for his speed and skill, Minteh’s inclusion bolsters Gambia’s offensive options as they prepare to navigate these critical fixtures.

Gambia’s forward line will also benefit from the in-form Musa Barrow, who has been enjoying an outstanding season with Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League.

Barrow’s goal-scoring consistency and experience could prove pivotal in Gambia’s campaign, offering McKinstry a reliable option up front.

Supporting Barrow are Ali Sowe and Abdoulie Ceesay, both expected to bring additional depth to the attacking ranks.

The Scorpions also see the return of Abdoulie ‘Bambalie’ Sanyang, who rejoins the squad after recovering from an injury.

Mahmudu Bajo retains his place, while Suleiman Camara, currently playing in Spain’s second tier for Racing de Santander, is also back after making a solid debut performance against Madagascar.

With midfielder Joseph Ceesay suspended for the clash against Comoros due to card accumulation, his availability for the Tunisia match will add depth and experience to Gambia’s midfield in their last qualifying fixture.

The Gambia will play their home match against Comoros in Berkane, Morocco, a familiar venue chosen as an alternative to hosting in Gambia.

The away fixture against Tunisia promises to be a stern test, with the North African team leading Group A and performing strongly throughout the qualifiers.

This crucial round of matches could mark Gambia’s third consecutive appearance in the AFCON tournament, an achievement that speaks to the growth and resilience of Gambian football under McKinstry’s leadership.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Scorpions take to the pitch with hopes of a historic qualification within reach.

Gambia’s 24-man squad for AFCON qualifiers:

Goalkeepers:

• Ebrima Jarju
• Modou Jobe
• Baboucarr Gaye

Defenders:

• James Gomez
• Noah Sonko Sundberg
• Omar Colley
• Ibou Touray
• Bubacarr Sanneh
• Sulayman Bojang

Midfielders:

• Saidy Janko
• Ebou Adams
• Alasana Manneh
• Abdoulie Jallow
• Dawda Ngum

Forwards:

• Musa Barrow
• Yankuba Minteh
• Ali Sowe
• Abdoulie Ceesay
• Abdoulie Sanyang
• Mahmudu Bajo
• Suleiman Camara
• Abubakar Barry
• Alassana Jatta
• Baboucarr Njie

Gambia’s opening match against Comoros will be crucial in setting the tone for the final round against Tunisia, as the team aims to secure a place in the prestigious AFCON 2025 tournament.