Algeria, Here We Come!

The Scorpions are heroes with a mission. Their mission is to capture three points from the Fennecs of Algeria or at the very worst secure one point. It is only by doing so that Gambian hopes of qualification for the World and African Cup of Nations can be kept alive. So far the Scorpions share the top of the table with Senegal as both teams have five points. The Scorpions have drawn 1-1 with Liberia, 0-0 with Senegal and defeated Algeria by 1-0 in Banjul. Algeria are in third position with three points and Liberia are in fourth with two points. As Coach Paul Put has advised, we should take this qualification campaign one game at a time. Our last match was played in Banjul against Algeria and was a success as the Scorpions maintained solid passing and controlled the game throughout the match. There are many fans however who believe that the boys could have netted a few more goals.

Be that as it may, that Algeria game is behind us now. The next encounter is again against Algeria but this time it is in Algiers. Although many fans will not be there to give support it is still hoped that the boys will tighten their belts, seize their goal-scoring opportunities and come home with a victory.

This is a legitimate hope on the part of the Gambian public. The team must realise their position in the race for qualification. The team may have received one or two knocks during the last match but are relatively free of injuries. Coach Put and his assistants are looking very sharp at the moment and are pushing the team technically as well as psychologically. We therefore wish the team a very successful game in Algiers. We advise the team to banish from their minds any fear of "terrorist threats", especially seeing that the GFA has informed FIFA and the CAF of those filthy threats.

The Gambian media are commended for their efforts to speak with the boys and their accompanying officials, and are further encouraged to transmit relevant information and support from the fans at home.

As we are all probably aware, this weekend will reveal the overall standings of the teams prior to their taking a short break until September. The Gambia will in September end the present series by hosting Liberia here at home and playing away to Senegal.Final fixtures for the teams are :

Week-End of 5th-7thSeptember -

GAM Vs LIBERIA ( in Banjul)

ALGERIA Vs SENEGAL (in Algeria)

Week- End of 10thto 12thOctober

LIBERIA Vs ALGERIA (in Liberia)

SENEGAL Vs GAMBIA(in Senegal)