Gambia’s Scorpions have signalled to Observer Sports their readiness and determination ahead of Friday’s Afcon qualifier against Mauritania.
The Scorpions have affirmed that they would give a respectable performance to come out with a good result, ahead of the second leg in Banjul four days later.
Coach Sang Ndong and players have been camping at Bougainville Hotel in Mbour, Senegal, and would be flying to Mauritania tonight, Wednesday.
The team had its second training session on Tuesday morning at the Mbour Stadium and was to have another one yesterday evening and then today (Wednesday) morning.
Defender Omar Colley of Djurgarden IF said his first session with the team went well, and that all the players are up to the task. “It is an honour to be invited and whoever is invited should come to play for the country. We are going to give our best to make everyone proud,” Colley told Observer Sports.
Omar Jagne, who plays for Dalkurd FF in the second tier of Swedish football, made similar sentiments. Jagne, who was absent from the squad for the past two games, revealed that he was not available because of a problem he had with ex-Coach Raoul Savoy. His return, he said, is an opportunity to prove himself.
Demba Savage of Hacken is also available and he told Observer Sports that the team is ready to work hard to have a good result in Mauritania. To the new players, Savage said, he is encouraging and advising them to be committed and prove what they can do.
Alhagie Bah, of domestic league side Real de Banjul, was thankful to God for being among the local-based selected players. “This is my first time to be part of the squad and I am ready to give my best,” Bah told Observer Sports. The mood in the camp, he added, is very calm and the boys are under no pressure.
Modou Jobe, a goalkeeper with Senegalese Premier League side Niarry Tally, who is expected to reclaim the starting berth in the absence of regular keeper Alhagie Nyabally, said he is keenly looking forward to the game. “We are working very hard to get a win or draw on Friday. All the boys are prepared,” he added.
To the newcomers, he encouraged them to work hard and be determined when given the opportunity to play on the day of the game.
Muhammad Conteh, who plays for Mbour PC in Senegal, is making his first appearance for the National Team. The former Gamtel player is upbeat and ready to prove his worth when given the opportunity to play. “With football, all that one needs is hard work and determination. It is not going to be an easy game but I am hopeful we can win it.”
Defender Kebba Ceesay, who plies his trade in Poland with Lech Poznan, said he would like to see the team work very hard, be humble and very discipline to win the game. Asked whether he was under pressure, Ceesay said: “No! I am not under pressure; we are all relaxed and looking forward to playing a good game.”
Forward Pa Amat Dibba, who opened his account in the 2-1 defeat to Namibia, said he was happy to return for the Scorpions. The double-legged tie, according to him, is very important, stressing that the team needs to score goals in Nouakchott and finish the tie at home.
Regarding his take on the coach Sang Ndong, who he is working with for the first time, Dibba said Sang Ndong seems a good coach to him. “I urge the fans to cheer us.”
Sang, for his part, said the spirit among the players is very high, while calling for support.
by Alieu Ceesay in Dakar, Senegal