Gambia national football team

Gambia
Nickname(s)The Scorpions
AssociationGambia Football Federation
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationWAFU (West Africa)
Head coachTom Saintfiet
CaptainPa Modou Jagne
Most capsPa Modou Jagne (42)
Top scorerAssan Ceesay (11)
Home stadiumIndependence Stadium, Bakau
FIFA codeGAM
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 123 2 (31 March 2022)[1]
Highest65 (June 2009)
Lowest179 (March 2017)
First international
 British Gambia 2–1 Sierra Leone
(Gambia; 9 February 1953)
Biggest win
 Gambia 6–0 Lesotho 
(Banjul, Gambia; 12 October 2002)
Biggest defeat
 Guinea 8–0 Gambia 
(Guinea; 14 May 1972)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances1 (first in 2021)
Best resultQuarter-finals (2021)
This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Gambia women's national football team.

The Gambia national football team represents The Gambia in men's international football and is controlled by the Gambia Football Federation. Until 1965, the team and the country were known as British Gambia. The team has never qualified for the World Cup. In 2021, Gambia qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time in history. The team represents both FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF).

History

Under the name British Gambia, the team played their first ever game on 9 February 1953 against Sierra Leone, winning 2–1 at home in a friendly.[2] In April 1963, the team entered the L'Amitié tournament in Senegal, a competition mainly for French-speaking nations. They were drawn in a group with France's amateur team, the Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) and Gabon. Their first match was lost 5–1 to the French amateurs on 11 April. The Gambia drew 2–2 with the Upper Volta on 13 April, and had the same result the very next day versus Gabon. The Gambia did not advance to the next round.

After the tournament in Senegal, the Gambia did not play another match until 16 November 1968, when they travelled to Sierra Leone to play its team in a friendly and lost 2–1. They played again in Sierra Leone in The Gambia's next match on 24 April 1971, and the hosts won 3–1. On 2 May 1971, The Gambia travelled to Guinea for a friendly and lost 4–2. On 14 May 1972, The Gambia returned to Guinea for their first African Games qualifier and lost 8–0 and were knocked out.

In 1975, the Gambia entered its first qualification campaign for the 1976 Summer Olympics in Canada. They were drawn in a qualifier against Guinea, and lost the first leg 1–0 at home on 27 April 1975. The second leg was lost 6–0 in Guinea on 1 June as Guinea advanced 7–0 on aggregate.

In August of that same year, the Gambia entered their first qualification for the African Cup of Nations, with the aim of reaching the 1976 finals in Ethiopia. They were drawn in a two-legged qualifier against Morocco and lost the first leg 3–0 away on 10 August. They lost by the same score in their home leg on 24 August and Morocco advanced 6–0 on aggregate.

After the qualification campaign for the 1976 finals, The Gambia played their first match against a full European side, losing a home friendly 4–1 to Denmark on 30 January 1977.[3]

On 12 October 2002, the team got their biggest ever victory in international competition, a 6–0 victory against Lesotho. [4]

In May 2014, the Gambia was banned from all CAF competitions for two years after deliberately falsifying players' ages.[5]

The nation's fortunes improved in qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Although they failed to qualify, they took it to the final round of games, including drawing twice with African giants Algeria.

On 13 November, in their first Group D match of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, Gambia defeated Angola 1–3 in Luanda. This was the Scorpions' first away win in an AFCON or FIFA World Cup qualifier ever, at their 40th attempt. An impressive campaign saw them qualify for their first ever major tournament that year. As the lowest-ranked team in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, the Gambia defied the odds by defeating favourites Tunisia in the group stage, finishing unbeaten in 2nd place in the group. A further win against Guinea in the Round of 16 saw them reach the quarter-finals at their first attempt, eventually going out to tournament hosts Cameroon.

Home stadium
Football fans watching Gambia v Guinea

Independence Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Bakau, Gambia. It is currently used mostly for football matches, although it is also used for music concerts, political events, trade fairs and national celebrations. The stadium holds 30,000 people.[6]

Recent schedule and results
Main article: Gambia national football team results (2020–present)

The following is a list of match results from the previous 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss

2021
25 March 2021 AFCONQ Gambia  1–0  Angola Bakau, Gambia
16:00 UTC±0
  • Ceesay 62'
 Report Stadium: Independence Stadium
Referee: Adissa Abdul Ligali (Benin)
29 March 2021 AFCONQ DR Congo  1–0  Gambia Kinshasa, DR Congo
17:00 UTC+1
Report Stadium: Stade des Martyrs
Referee: Amin Mohamed Omar (Egypt)
5 June FIFA Friendly Niger  0–2  Gambia Manavgat, Turkey
17:00 UTC±0 Report
Stadium: Arslan Zeki Demirci Sports Complex
Referee: Abdulkadir Bitigen (Turkey)
8 June FIFA Friendly Gambia  1–0  Togo Manavgat, Turkey
17:00 UTC+3
Report Stadium: Arslan Zeki Demirci Sports Complex
Attendance: 0
11 June FIFA Friendly Kosovo  1–0  Gambia Manavgat, Turkey
17:00 UTC+3
Report Stadium: Arslan Zeki Demirci Sports Complex
Attendance: 0
Referee: Arda Kardeşler (Turkey)
9 October Friendly Gambia  1–2  Sierra Leone El Jadida, Morocco
 Report
Stadium: Stade El Abdi
12 October FIFA Friendly Gambia  2–1  South Sudan El Jadida, Morocco
  • Lual 87'
 Stadium: Stade El Abdi
16 November FIFA Friendly New Zealand  2–0  Gambia Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
20:00
Report Stadium: Zayed Sports City Stadium
Referee: Sultan Mohamed Al Hammadi (United Arab Emirates)

2022
1 January Friendly Algeria  Cancelled  Gambia Qatar
12 January 2021 AFCON Mauritania  0–1  Gambia Limbe, Cameroon
17:45 Report
Stadium: Limbe Stadium
Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
16 January 2021 AFCON Gambia  1–1  Mali Limbe, Cameroon
 Report
Stadium: Limbe Stadium
Referee: Samir Guezzaz (Morocco)
20 January 2021 AFCON Gambia  1–0  Tunisia Limbe, Cameroon
20:00
Report Stadium: Limbe Stadium
Referee: Fernando Guerrero (Mexico)
24 January AFCON Round of 16 Guinea  0–1  Gambia Bafoussam, Cameroon
17:00 Report Mu. Barrow 71' Stadium: Kouekong Stadium
Referee: Amin Omar (Egypt)
29 January AFCON Quarter Finals Gambia  0–2  Cameroon Douala, Cameroon
17:00 Report
Stadium: Japoma Stadium
Referee: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)
23 March 2023 AFCON Q preliminary round Chad  0–1  Gambia Yaoundé, Cameroon
17:00 UTC+1
Stadium: Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium
29 March 2023 AFCON Q preliminary round Gambia  2–2
(3–2 agg.)		  Chad Agadir, Morocco
17:00 UTC±0
Report
Stadium: Stade Adrar

Coaching staff

In July 2018, former Togo and Zimbabwe coach Tom Saintfiet, was appointed as head coach. Saintfiet took over from former international Sang Ndong who is now technical director of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) following the end of his contract in January.[7]

Head Coach Tom Saintfiet
Team Manager Ousman Drammeh
Assistant Coach Alagie Sarr
Physical Coach Daniele Caleca
Goalkeeper Coach Alhagie Marong
Goalkeeper Coach Jo Stock
Team Doctor Pa Landing
Physiotherapist Tom Mertens
Physiotherapist Joppe Vermeulen
Equipment Manager Mustapha Kassama
Technical Assistant Robby Echelmeyer
Video Analyst Jani Sarajärvi
International Scout Alessandro Soli

Coaching history

Players

Current squad

The following players have been called up for the 2023 AFCON preliminary round in March 2022.[8]

Caps and goals are correct as of 29 March 2022, after the match against Chad.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Modou Jobe (1988-10-27) 27 October 1988 29 0 Jeddah
18 1GK Baboucarr Gaye (1998-02-24) 24 February 1998 10 0 Rot-Weiß Koblenz
22 1GK Sheikh Sibi (1998-02-21) 21 February 1998 3 0 Virtus Verona
5 2DF Omar Colley (1992-10-24) 24 October 1992 38 0 Sampdoria
12 2DF James Gomez (2001-11-14) 14 November 2001 10 1 AC Horsens
13 2DF Pa Modou Jagne (captain) (1989-12-26) 26 December 1989 43 2 Dietikon
14 2DF Noah Sonko Sundberg (1996-06-06) 6 June 1996 11 0 Levski Sofia
16 2DF Mohammed Mbye (1989-06-18) 18 June 1989 15 0 Ifö Bromölla IF
21 2DF Saidy Janko (1995-10-22) 22 October 1995 6 0 Real Valladolid
25 2DF Bubacarr Sanneh (1994-11-14) 14 November 1994 31 1 SønderjyskE
26 2DF Ibou Touray (1994-12-24) 24 December 1994 13 0 Salford City
2 3MF Yusupha Bobb (1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 16 0 Piacenza
3 3MF Ablie Jallow (1998-11-14) 14 November 1998 21 5 Seraing
4 3MF Dawda Ngum (1990-09-02) 2 September 1990 19 0 Unattached
6 3MF Sulayman Marreh (1996-01-15) 15 January 1996 30 1 Gent
8 3MF Ebrima Darboe (2001-06-06) 6 June 2001 10 0 Roma
11 3MF Modou Barrow (1992-10-13) 13 October 1992 18 2 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
15 3MF Ebrima Sohna (1988-12-14) 14 December 1988 38 3 Fortune
17 4FW Bubacarr Jobe (1994-11-21) 21 November 1994 15 3 Norrby IF
28 3MF Ebou Adams (1996-01-15) 15 January 1996 11 0 Forest Green Rovers
7 4FW Lamin Jallow (1994-07-22) 22 July 1994 18 1 Fehérvár
9 4FW Assan Ceesay (1994-03-17) 17 March 1994 29 13 Zürich
10 4FW Musa Barrow (1998-11-14) 14 November 1998 25 4 Bologna
19 4FW Ebrima Colley (2000-02-01) 1 February 2000 16 0 Spezia
20 4FW Bubacarr Trawally (1994-11-10) 10 November 1994 16 1 Hammarby IF
23 4FW Muhammed Badamosi (1998-12-27) 27 December 1998 13 1 Kortrijk
24 4FW Dembo Darboe (1998-08-17) 17 August 1998 3 0 Shakhtyor Soligorsk
27 4FW Yusupha Njie (1994-01-03) 3 January 1994 6 0 Boavista
4FW Abdoulie Sanyang (1999-05-08) 8 May 1999 5 0 Grenoble

Recent call ups

The following players have also been called up to the Gambia squad within the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Lamin Sarr (2001-03-11) 11 March 2001 0 0 Torns IF v.  New Zealand, 16 November 2021
DF Leon Guwara (1996-06-28) 28 June 1996 5 0 Jahn Regensburg v.  New Zealand, 16 November 2021
DF Maudo Jarjué (1997-09-30) 30 September 1997 2 0 IF Elfsborg v.  New Zealand, 16 November 2021
DF Robin Bjørnholm-Jatta (1994-01-27) 27 January 1994 2 0 Stjørdals-Blink v.  Kosovo, 11 June 2021
DF Omar Gaye (1998-09-18) 18 September 1998 3 0 Milsami Orhei v.  Kosovo, 11 June 2021
DF Muhammed Sanneh (2000-02-19) 19 February 2000 2 0 Pohronie v.  Kosovo, 11 June 2021
MF Adama Jarjue (1997-12-12) 12 December 1997 0 0 Zlatibor Čajetina v.  Kosovo, 11 June 2021
FW Nuha Marong (1993-06-16) 16 June 1993 4 0 Bashundhara Kings v.  Kosovo, 11 June 2021
FW Aboubakary Kanté (1994-08-11) 11 August 1994 2 0 Fuenlabrada v.  Kosovo, 11 June 2021
FW Musa Juwara (2001-12-26) 26 December 2001 4 0 Crotone v.  Kosovo, 11 June 2021

WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
PRE Preliminary squad.
RET Player has retired from international football.
SUS Suspended from the national team.

Records
As of 29 March 2022[9]
Players in bold are still active with Gambia.

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 Part of  United Kingdom Part of  United Kingdom
1934
1938
1950
1954
1958
1962
1966
1970 Did not enter Did not enter
1974
1978
1982 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 2 1
1986 2 1 0 1 3 6
1990 Did not enter Did not enter
1994 Withdrew Withdrew
1998 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 2 5
2002 2 0 0 2 0 3
2006 2 1 0 1 2 3
2010 6 2 3 1 6 3
2014 6 1 1 4 4 11
2018 2 0 1 1 2 3
2022 2 0 0 2 1 3
2026 To be determined To be determined
Total–0/22––––––2666142238

Africa Cup of Nations
Africa Cup of Nations record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
1957 to 1963 Part of United Kingdom
1965Not affiliated to CAF
1968 to 1974 Did not enter
1976 Did not qualify
1978 Did not enter
1980 to 1988 Did not qualify
1990 Withdrew
1992 Did not qualify
1994 Did not enter
1996 Withdrew during qualifying
1998 Banned for withdrawing in 1996
2000 Withdrew
2002 to 2013 Did not qualify
2015 Banned
2017Did not qualify
2019
2021Quarter-finals6th531143
2023TBD
2025
Total–1/33531143

Honours
Amilcar Cabral Cup :
  • Runners-up (3)


References
  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  2. "World Football Elo Ratings: Gambia". World Football Elo Rankings. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  3. "Gambia – List of International Matches". Rsssf.com. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  4. "Gambia v Lesotho, 13 October 2002". 11v11.com.
  5. "The Gambia disqualified from all Caf competitions". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  6. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 23 September 2013. Retrieved 27 August 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. "Tom Saintfiet named new Gambia coach". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 18 July 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
  8. "Saintfiet releases 23 Scorpions to play Chad in the AFCON 2023". Facebook. Gambia Football Federation.
  9. "Gambia". National Football Teams.
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