Coach Tom Saintfiet has expressed optimism in Scorpions chances of securing a maiden appearance at AFCON 2022 in Cameroon.
The Gambians need a maximum four points from March’s two matches at home to Angola and away to the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, a win at home in match day five coupled with a home win for Gabon against the DR Congo will give the Scorpions and The Panthers an unassailable lead, thus securing Group D’s two spots in next year’s continental showpiece ahead of the final group matches.
“Naturally it’s different when you can work every day with the team, my players will only arrive on Monday 22nd and I know that I have only two training sessions but I’m already 12 years as a National Team Head Coach so I’m used to it. My biggest problem naturally is the availability of the players and hopefully no one will have injury,” he said, while speaking in an interview with GFF’s Communications Assistant Amadou O. Bah.
The Belgian further gave details on the injuries to Hamzy Barry and Muhammed Badamosi, noting that while the March 25th and 29th matches may be too early for the former, the latter, who plays for Kortrijk in Belgium, could return to the fold having missed the double header against Gabon in November.
“I’m very happy, I think before we get the official dates I discussed with the Federation [GFF] that I will be happy with these dates. I think 25th gives us all the opportunity to get the players on time in The Gambia so we will be able to have at least two days of normal training. So I’m happy with these dates and is good that we know them now because it helps us to plan in advance all the arrangements that need to be done,” he stated further.
The Scorpions gaffer also thanked the GFF and the government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the special flight and accommodation accorded to the team in their double header against Gabon. He expressed his delight that similar arrangements are been made for the next set of matches.