Gambia National Team Coach Tom Saintfiet has noted with optimism about Scorpions final 23 Man squad for the double header to Gabon in the AFCON Qualifiers resuming in November 2020 describing the team as formidable.
Following the release of the squad on Thursday morning, Saintfiet described the 23 Man team as “formidable but difficult“. He said the capacity of the team makes the selection a big one. “It was a very difficult final 23 man squad because we have so many players who have the quality to play for the country. Naturally we took into account the limited time with the national team and together to prepare the team. So we choose players who know the system, the way of working and easy to adapt with“.
The Scorpions gaffer said the final list comprises the main crop of players that took part in the team’s training camp in Portugal where the Gambia won Congo in the international friendly. “The game against Angola last year, and DR Congo also makes it naturally difficult that some players who have the quality to play for the country still have to be released“.
He stressed that the decision to select a final 23 players has been difficult “because some other players deserved to be there but they’re all on standby because in this difficult period of the pandemic you never know what happens in the coming days“.
Saintfiet applauded the GFF for the timely and efficient arrangements of a chartered flight from Brussels en route to Libreville for the game and other logistics. “I must say that I am very happy with the GFF for arranging a special flight for us from Brussels to Libreville without hindrance which is unique and this shows the importance the GFF attaches to the national team particularly this game”.
He said the team is expected to play a very strong opponent that is regular at AFCON tournaments. “I have huge respect for them but not afraid because we have proven in the past to be a very strong side against big opponents“.
The Scorpions’ European contingent will travel from their Europe based destinations to Brussels on the 9th November en-route to Libreville while the Gambian contingent that comprises the back room staff and Officials will leave Banjul on the 7th to Libreville ahead of the match scheduled for Thursday 12th November 2020 in Franceville.
