FIFA President Gianni Infantino has today congratulated Gambia for securing a maiden qualification to the African Cup of Nations finals. Infantino, who was writing to his Gambian counterpart Lamin Kaba Bajo, described the success as a result of determination and hard work.
The Scorpions defeated the Palancas Negras of Angola on 25th March, 2021 at Bakau’s Independence Stadium with striker Assan Ceesay scoring the most important goal in Gambian football history to ensure Tom Saintfiet’s charges qualified for the continental showpiece event.
“Please allow me to congratulate you and your senior national team for the historical first qualification to the finals of the CAF African Cup of Nations. This achievement is the result of the determination and hard work of everyone involved whom I congratulate wholeheartedly, and you can certainly all be proud,” Infantino said.
“I wish you good health and I look forward to keep on working together for the future of football in The Gambia, in Africa and around the world, and to seeing you again very soon.”
The Gambia finished top of a qualifying group that also consisted of another two African giants in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon. It is undoubtedly the most successful period in Gambian football history and by far its greatest achievement.
In the same letter, the Swiss-Italian football administrator thanked the GFF boss for his continuous support offered to him, further reassuring Mr. Bajo of FIFA’s support to Gambian football and at all times.
“Thank you for your support and appreciation, as we move forward with our mission to shape a better football to make it truly global. You can be ensured that FIFA stands fully behind each and every one of its 211 Member Associations in such a particular period. Over the last months, the football world has shown incredible solidarity and conveyed a strong and unequivocal message of unity to the world,” he added.