Barely 24 hours ahead of the much awaited Group D Afcon Qualifiers between the Gambia and Gabon slated for Thursday 12th November 2020, the Gambia National Team (Scorpions) have capped off their training session at Franceville Stadium on Wednesday night.
The training was held under the flood lights as will be on the match day but behind closed doors.
Coach Tom Saintfiet speaking at the end of the One hour session said the training exercise went very well despite the absence of some key notables who were initially expected to join the team. “I am very satisfied with the group and the level of atmosphere is great and guess we will have good rest”. Saintfiet said his charges have built confidence hence most of them have played at the team’s international friendly against Congo Brazzaville and is optimistic of going through.
Reacting to the absence of midfielder Sulayman Marreh who tested positive of Covid-19, the Scorpions gaffer said his plans will not changed “ because we have a group of players who are very committed and confident. There is not much big difference in my style although the missing of Sulayman Marreh is a big one due to his experience, skills and qualities but our strategies will not change“.
He however acknowledged that the Panthers are a difficult opponent to play against due to their quality and star players in the team and “we respect them very well but we are confident and ready to play because the team is committed and ready to give all out tomorrow“.
The Local Organizing Committee in Gabon have announced that the match will be played behind closed doors but will be broadcast live on Gabon National Television.
The Gambia plays Gabon on Thursday 12th November 2020 at 20:00hrs in the opening leg of Match Day Three of the Afcon Qualifiers with the return leg to be played in Banjul four days later on Monday 16th November 2020 at the Independence Stadium in Bakau at 16:30pm.
The Gambia tops Group D on Four points (+2) with Gabon, Dr Congo and Angola trailing behind.