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)
