H.E. Honorary Gambian Consular in Egypt Hatem Raslan hosted the team for lunch on Sunday afternoon at his residence, the Gambian Consulate in Egypt. The players were led by the Head of Delegation, Mr. Bakary K. Jammeh, together with the entire Gambian delegation, and were received on the lunch table by Mr. Raslan.
Speaking after the lunch, he told the players how proud he is of their achievements in the CAF U20 tournament in Egypt. “To reach the World Cup and be the second-best team in Africa out of 54 countries with the little resources we have was a dream for us. We’re happy, and we have to thank God. The discipline and the attitude you carry along makes you the best ambassadors for the Gambia, because when I hear the news in both Africana and Guards Hotel, everybody loves you guys; they all say you are professionals, and we are so proud of you,” he said.
“All of you are stars. I was busy here in Cairo with some official engagements, but the moment I got to the stadium and saw you guys play, I saw a lot of legends in you. I saw a lot of Ebou Sillah, Jato Ceesay, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah in this team, and it will happen.”
Raslan also told the players to remember that he has seen a lot of stars in this team and that they can do great things in the game just as the likes of Ronaldinho, who he said once played in a tournament in Egypt. “This is a blessed place.”
The Head of Delegation Mr. Jammeh laid a level ground in both Alexandria and Cairo as the team was well taken care of, and Mr. Raslan thanked the Federation through the First Vice President, and the entire Federation for their good job.
He said also of the Gambia U20 coach Abdoulie Bojang, who was named best coach in the group stages following his tactical brilliance: “When I saw the tactics of this team in the real game situation, I could smell a big club coming for our coach. I was sitting with one of the biggest coaches in Egypt, and in the second half, he told me, ‘Hatem, you have the best coach in Africa,’ and I was very proud. From the first day to the final, you and the boys have done your best. I wish you a safe flight, and when I come to the Gambia, I will visit you, and inshaAllah, I will attend the World Cup.
The entire team and delegation received gifts from the Consular, who was also presented with a signed Gambian jersey.
For his part, Mr. Jammeh thanked the Consular for the great initiative. Jammeh revealed that when the team arrived in Cairo, the Consular had the right intentions for the team, and they have yielded results. Now, the whole of Africa and the world at large are talking about this team.
“The team did well, but there are a lot of unsung heroes in this team. The Gambia Football Federation, the consular staff, everybody played a part.”
