Gambia’s preparations for AFCON 2023 have taken a nightmarish turn with a harrowing mid-flight incident that prompted the team’s chartered plane to abruptly turn around.
Amidst the backdrop of unpaid bonuses and a team boycott of the scheduled farewell ceremony on Tuesday, the Scorpions faced a moment of sheer terror on Wednesday aboard the plane en route to the Ivory Coast, the host nation of the tournament.
“The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) regrets to inform the general public that the chartered flight carrying the Scorpions to the Africa Cup of Nations returned to Banjul due to technical problems,” announced the GFF on its Facebook page, shedding light on the unsettling events that unfolded. ”
The flight had been going on for nine minutes when the crew realized this and immediately requested to return to Banjul.
Upon landing, preliminary investigations indicated that there had been a loss of cabin pressure and oxygen.”
While the technical team of the flight operating company, Air Côte d’Ivoire, continues to assess the situation to determine the cause of the cabin’s oxygen and pressure loss, the team, including players and staff, are presently en route to the Ocean Bay Hotel, awaiting further instructions.
Despite assurances of the delegation’s safety, reports emerged that some players experienced fainting spells, breathing difficulties, and headaches during the flight following the alarming incident.
As the football community awaits further developments, the Gambia Football Federation extends apologies for any inconvenience caused, emphasizing their commitment to finding a swift resolution to facilitate the team’s safe arrival in Ivory Coast.
The incident adds an unexpected layer of tension to Gambia’s AFCON 2023 journey, prompting concerns and garnering widespread attention.
