Tom Saintfiet, the head coach of the Gambian national team, has affirmed the team’s aspiration to achieve surprises in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to commence in a few hours.
He elucidated that their second consecutive participation in the tournament would differ significantly from the first, especially with the players aiming to make a notable impact despite the challenging group featuring Senegal, Cameroon, and Guinea.
Speaking to the media, Saintfiet stated that the team has overcome the plane crisis and is now fully prepared to participate in the tournament.
He highlighted the upcoming formidable match against Senegal, the defending champions, scheduled for next Monday.
The Gambian national team faced technical issues with their plane, experiencing a lack of oxygen, forcing its return to the capital, Banjul, a mere nine minutes after takeoff, as reported by the Gambian Football Federation.
Ranked 126th globally, Gambia finds itself in Group F alongside Cameroon, Senegal, and Equatorial Guinea.
Their first match will be against Senegal on Monday, marking the beginning of their AFCON journey.
The Gambia’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations includes Modou Jobe, Baboucarr Gaye, and Lamin Sar in goalkeeping duties.
The defensive lineup features Daouda Ndong, Omar Colley, Saidy Janko, Jacob Mendy, James Gomez, Ebo Touray, Mohammed Sanneh, Nuhu Sonko, Jacob Mendy, Mohammed Sanneh, and Bubacarr Sanneh.
In the midfield, Ablie Manneh, Abdulai Sanjang, Ebrima Darboe, Hamza Barry, Alasana Manneh, Suleiman Marreh, Ebrima Adams, and Youssofah Bob are included.
The striking force comprises Musa Barrow, Ebrima Colley, Yacouba Minteh, Mohammed Badamosi, Alieu Fadera, Assan Ceesay, and Ali Sowe.
