Africa’s best and Gambia’s finest Referee Bakary Papa Gassama said he has entirely dedicated his Afcon Medal to his late mother Aja ISATOU Badjan. Gassama was speaking to the GFF website at the end of Finals of the 32nd edition of the Total Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt, where ALGERIA’s Desert Foxes emerged Champions over Senegal Teranga Lions at a goal to nil.
Africa’s finest and Knight of the whistle said his Afcon Final match medal is for his late mother who passed away in July few days to the commencement of the continental show piece in Cairo where Gassama was initially scheduled to open the tournament. “The award is dedicated to my late Mother. She supported me throughout my career and I cannot forget her prayers offered to me for all my success in football”. Gassama further extended his thanks and gratitude to the Gambia Football Federation and the referee fraternity for the support and assistance during the period stating that without the support of the GFF, “I would.not have gone this far”. He also thanked the stakeholders and the general public for their prayers and encouragement.
GASSAMA officiated two matches at the tournament and been 2nd Asst VAR at the Final on Friday July 19 between Senegal and ALGERIA. He was also the preferred CAF Referee in the semi final of the tournament between two power houses in Africa,, Algeria and Nigeria where he was been credited for yet another stellar roller performance on the pitch.