A former Gambia international, Cherno ‘Bara’ Touray, is the latest to assess the chances of the Scorpions as they aim an assault at qualification for the 2021 African Cup of Nations.
The Scorpions will face Djibouti in October over two legs with the winner joining Gabon, Angola and DR Congo in Group D to determine which two teams will be among the 23 countries to qualify for the finals. Hosts Cameroon have a bye in the qualifiers.
Speaking in an interview with www.gambiaff.org, Mr. Touray described Djibouti as a normal draw for The Gambia but was quick to warn against complacency. “You can’t underestimate any team nowadays. To me, it’s like any other draw. It is even more complicated for the fact that we’ve never played against Djibouti and we don’t know who they are, so we should not underrate them,” he affirmed.
Cherno Touray further highlighted that a stronger and unanimous determination by all stakeholders and Gambians will be a first step leading towards Cameroon 2021. “We did well in the last qualifiers, although we were unfortunate but we’ve learnt from our mistakes and go back to the drawing board to rectify them. We need to do a proper planning and programming. Our games against Benin, Togo, and Algeria who are now champions of Africa is a good example of how immortal the Scorpions can be if our hearts and minds are together for the common good,” he added.
Mr. Touray also urged all stakeholders, the Government, media, private sector, public institutions and fans to come together and fight hand in glove with the team, saying The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) cannot do it alone. He said the likes of Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Madagascar, Mauritania and Senegal are all able to go this far because they have their people supporting the team both morally and financially with determination and love for country.
Touray further stated that this is a great opportunity for us to play in the finals in Cameroon and therefore enough resources and support from all Gambians is required. “Our neighbors Senegal reached the finals but they haven’t got the best team. They have the entire nation, Government, business entrepreneurs, media, fans, institutions, religious scholars all behind them and this boosted their morals even when they’re loosing. That’s all we need, to unite and support irrespective of who’s in charge and stop the propaganda and know that Gambia is ours,” he affirmed.
“Everyone has a role to play and that includes leaving the technicians, administrators and players to do their jobs and we do ours as supporters. Let every one of us have the common goal of love for country and then we will see the difference.”
In conclusion, Cherno Touray urged the media to come forward and render a befitting coverage of the team. He described the media as the most crucial and important asset in any football institution. “The media has a lot of impact on the players. Let us use it wisely and if possible make big noise and rally behind the team,” he said.