The Gambia’s national football team, known as the Scorpions, has opted for the vibrant city of Al Ahsa in Saudi Arabia as its training ground for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The strategic decision aligns with the team’s commitment to rigorous preparation, mirroring the choice made by fellow group stage contender, Cameroon.
Embarking on this crucial phase of readiness, the Gambian delegation departed from Banjul, the nation’s capital, on Monday morning, reaching Saudi Arabian soil late last night.
The Scorpions will undergo an intensive one-week training regimen in Al Ahsa, concluding on January 8, before returning to Banjul on January 9.
During their stay in Saudi Arabia, Tom SaintFiet, the coach, will work with an expanded group of 43 players, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the squad’s capabilities and determining the final selection of the 27 players who will represent Gambia in the Ivory Coast-hosted AFCON 2023.
Upon their return to Banjul, a flag handover ceremony is scheduled, symbolizing the support of the nation’s authorities and fans for the selected 27 players.
Coach Tom SaintFiet will reveal the final squad during a press conference on January 9.
Gambia finds itself in Group C alongside formidable opponents Senegal, Guinea, and Cameroon.
Despite being considered underdogs, the Scorpions, with the bitter taste of their quarter-final exit in the previous AFCON still lingering, approach the tournament with a determined spirit, aspiring to outperform their previous showing and make a lasting impact on the continental stage.
