By Mamour M Mbenga
The Gambian National Football Team, who was expected home on Monday 31st January 2022 to an arousing welcome are reportedly stranded in Cameroon. The Gambian Scorpions who were the lowest-ranked team by the World Football Governing Organisation, FIFA, in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations surprised many by qualifying out of their group. Unfortunately, their memorable and historic run came to an end on Saturday 29th January 2022 when they lost to host nation Cameroon.
Three days after losing their quarterfinal game against Cameroon, Gambian players have taken to social media to vent their frustration of being stranded in Cameroon and not able to return back home and report to their respective clubs. Thousands of Gambians were expected to meet the National Team at the only Airport on Monday to celebrate with their heroes, however, those hopes were dashed due to a delay in the National Team’s arrival to the Gambia.
After posting the above image encouraging supporters to meet the National Team at Airport the Gambia Football Federation’s (GFF) Facebook page informed expectant Gambians that the Scorpions homecoming was cancelled due to some logistic arrangement.
The post headlined “Delay in the arrival of the Scorpions” informed fans that “there is a new development with regards to the arrival of the Senior National Football Team (Scorpions) due to logistical reasons”.
The post from GFF Communications concluded by informing fans that “a new arrival will be communicated to the public in due course. While we advise everyone to stand down, for the time being, we deeply apologize for any inconveniences caused”.
Instead of scenes of history-making Scorpions celebrating with their fans, football players Lamin Jallow, Modou Jobe, Ebrima Sohna, Sulayman Marreh, Sheikh Sibi and others have shared videos on their social media setting the record straight about their unexpected delayed arrival.
In a video with a group of players, Ebrima Sohna told fans “don’t let anybody fool you to go to any airport. Until we the players tell you on our social media that we’re heading to the airport then you can come and meet us”.
Modou Barrow chimed in to say there may be few players coming to the Gambia because some other players have left for their clubs. Ebrima Sohna went on to explain that some players have booked themselves a flight because they’ve left their travel documents at home which they need to travel back to their clubs.
The players feel disappointed by the GFF for failing to organise a return flight back home. A dejected Ebrima Sohna expressed his disappointment on the GFF’s handling of the situation which he believes demonstrates a lack of respect and fairness to the players.
The players made additional clarifications that they haven’t received their match bonuses after securing a victory against Guinea. Another player, Lamin Jallow also spoke about concerns of not receiving his match bonus and challenges due to his late return to his club side.
This is the first time in the Gambia’s football history that the Scorpions managed to secure a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations. Unfortunately, it may end in disappointment due to poor planning and inadequate logistical arrangements for the National Team players.
The Gambia was ranked 150th by FIFA before qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations but after great performances where they beat higher-ranked teams like Tunisia and Guinea, the Gambia’s FIFA ranking should improve significantly.