Nigeria, the sixth nation expected in the competition could not make it.
The Gambian team of men and women competed in multi disciplines event including, swimming, race, fencing among others and fetched one goal medal, 5 silvers and 3 bronze medals.
The team comprises athletes of entirely workers from various institutions in The Gambia who are affiliated members of the National Interdepartmental Sports Association (NISA), the body that coordinated Gambia’s participation in the championship.
Speaking on their return from Dakar, Saikou B. Jarjue, Secretary General of NISA, praised the Gambian team for doing very well in their maiden appearance in this somewhat new sports event.
“The three days in Dakar was meant to be e learning trip but we surprised even ourselves to win 9 medals and finished third in the overall ranking of the championship, Fencing for example is new and we have little experience in professional swimming so our strength really was in the athletics race but we are amazed with the performance of our members in those events,’’ Jarju said.
He added that good showing in Dakar has motivated them to register a special organization for this event because it is growing in the region and Gambia cannot be left behind, Jarju said.
Host Senegal came first followed by Guinea in second place, Gambia third, Benin fourth and Mali fifth.