The Scorpions of Gambia are ready for another battle ahead as they take on hosts Cameroon in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Douala on Saturday.
All players are available and have passed the covid-19 test. The Gambia Football governing body the GFF have confirmed through a statement on its social media account.
“The Gambia Football Federation is pleased to announce that Team Gambia, this morning, did their prematch Covid19 tests at the Team’s Best Western Plus Hotel in Douala. All 27 players and staff tested negative and thus everyone is available for the biggest match in Gambian football history on Saturday against the hosts Cameroon in the quarterfinals of the African Cup of Nations at the Stade de Japoma,” read a communication for the GFF.
The Scorpions are making their debut appearance at the tournament and have already achieved beyond expectations. They qualified to the quarterfinals following a 1-0 win over Guinea thanks to a goal by Musa Barrow.
It was reported on social media pages that 7 players from Gambia had tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of their crucial encounter against Cameroon. However, the Gambian Football Association were quick to set the record straight through to their commutations department.
“Contrary to reports circulating on social media pages, the GFF is informing all Gambians, Africans and the world of football at large, that as per our communiqué this morning, all 27 players and staff have tested negative for Covid19 earlier today,” The GFF revealed in a follow up communication.
“Thus, the news that seven of our players and four managers testing positive and currently in isolation are fake, malicious and bogus claims that are meant to distract our preparations and create panic ahead of the most important match in Gambian football history.”
The news means all players expect Yusupha Njie, who is suspended for the Saturday match because of the red card he received in our last 16 win over Guinea, are all available to Tom Saintfiet for selection against the hosts.”
The GFF reassured that all players and are staff are healthy and in high spirits and were part of the training session at the Japoma Stadium on Thursday evening.
Gambia are hoping to make more history when they face the Indomitable Lions on Saturday at the Japoma Stadium in Douala. Kick off is set for 17:00 hrs local time (19:00 hrs East Africa Time).
