Following yesterday’s historic 1-0 defeat of Mauritania in the African Cup of Nations, the Scorpions returned to the pitch today with a light training session.
The Gambia’s national anthem was sung at the African showpiece event for the very first time at Limbe’s Omnisports Stadium and Ablie Jallow’s goal after 10 minutes proved the only difference. A goal of the competition contender, it was pure world class, that carries a lot of significance for the Gambians. This was our first ever match in the competition and not only did it assure us our first win, but also our first clean sheet as well as the first man-of-the-match award which went to Musa Barrow.
Spurred on by that confidence, the team, led by Head Coach Tom Saintfiet, returned to the Molyko Omnisports Stadium at 1pm local time. Following the traditional warm-up which involved all 27 players, yesterday’s starters did a recovery session with fitness trainer Daniele Caleca while Joppe Vermaelen took the rest of the players through their paces.
More good news continues to be received in camp with Saidy Janko, who arrived in Cameroon while recovering from a muscle injury, joined group training for the very first time since our arrival. Recovering quicker than expected, the Real Valladolid defender would now be in contention for his competitive debut when the Scorpions takes on Mali on Sunday.
Noah Sonko, who missed the Mauritania match due to sickness also trained normally and following scans to the blow he suffered in the head yesterday, left-back Ibou Touray is given the all medical clearance to return to the pitch. Goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye has also returned a negative covid19 test and will flew in from Qatar this evening and arrives in Cameroon tomorrow morning.