In an exclusive interview with Afrik-foot, Tom Saintfiet, the head coach of the Gambia national football team, candidly discussed the Scorpions’ aspirations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. Despite facing formidable opponents in the group stage, including the reigning African champion Senegal, Cameroon, and Guinea, Saintfiet expressed unwavering determination to secure a spot in the second round.
The Gambia made a significant impact two years ago by reaching the quarter-finals, and Saintfiet acknowledges the heightened difficulty this time around.
In the interview, he emphasized the challenging nature of their group, highlighting the footballing prowess of Senegal and Cameroon, both World Cup participants in Qatar.
Guinea, featuring one of the top scorers in the German championship, Sehrou Guirassy, further intensifies the competition.
While acknowledging the differences in the team’s composition compared to the last AFCON, Saintfiet emphasized his coaching philosophy: approaching each match with the intention to win.
The Gambia coach acknowledged the hurdles faced, including injuries and players without club affiliations. He noted that the squad lacks high-profile players found in the lineups of Senegal, Cameroon, and Guinea.
Despite these challenges, Saintfiet is steadfast in his ambition to work miracles at the tournament, expressing realism about the difficulties ahead.
He highlighted the team’s resilience and determination to achieve commendable results.
When asked about the recovery of injured players, Saintfiet mentioned individuals like former AS Roma player Ibrahima Darboe, who, after being sidelined for more than a year, began training again and might be ready for the tournament.
Addressing the absence of some players from the previous AFCON due to various reasons, including retirement and the search for clubs, Saintfiet emphasized his coaching philosophy of not seeking excuses.
He affirmed the team’s commitment to making the most of the available players and striving for success, even if Gambia is not considered one of the favorites.
In conclusion, Saintfiet asserted that his team has demonstrated in the past that individual player names do not determine success on the field, citing their victory against Guinea in the eighth round of the last AFCON as a testament to the team’s resilience and capability.
With a determined spirit, the Gambia aims to once again defy expectations and create memorable moments on the continental stage.
— *BBC Sports Africa*
