The
development of a national team has over decades faced challenges similar to
those across Africa, although the national football Federation is boosting
members focusing on women’s football.
The
advent of the FIFA Live your goals Girls project is also beginning to shape up
girls’ participation in the game; thus promoting the steady growth of the Female
domestic Leagues though the sport is still developing.
The
Gambia have long not instituted a recognized Women’s National team nor has the
country participated in a major regional and international tournaments,
including the Women’s World Cup, the African Women’s Championship or the
All-Africa Games.
However,
it was in 2012 Gambia competed in the
FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup held in Azerbaijan, where they played
three games but exited at the group stage, following a lack of luck and
experience that counted against them.
But
after five years today, the women’s national team has set their sights on new
horizon. The women’s football community in The Gambia has decided to put that
setback behind it and focus on the future.
Target:
Ghana 2018
Virtually,
the same players that represented the country in Azerbaijan has begun working
hard to catch up with other nations as hopes of qualifying for the 2018 Cup of
Nations in Ghana and the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 are high.
“Our
goal is now to qualify for the 2018 Cup of Nations,” confirmed Penda Bah. “We
have an excellent group who play in our domestic league and very familiar. My
teammate’s general skill level is high and we’re determined to succeed.”
Ajara
Samba age 20, whose dream is to wear the national team jersey, is convinced
that she and her team-mates have what it takes to shine in Ghana, as long as
certain conditions are met.
“The
Cup of Nations is not a pipe dream, as long as we put the work in and line up
some friendly matches so as to make our team more cohesive. If the Men’s
National team cannot make it, without doubt we will make it.”
The
13th edition of the 2018 showpiece tournament will be held in Ghana from
November 17th to 1st December, and the top three teams will qualify for the Women’s
World Cup in France the following the year. The Gambia is aiming to secure one
of the seven remaining spots in order to make it to both the continent and
global stage for the first time.
France
aspiration
Any
female footballer dreams of one day taking part in the Women’s World Cup, and
Gambians are no exception, as France will be the host nation in 2019.
“If
we put in more work, we will qualify. And I know that dream will be realized
next year “inshallah” because my assistant Abdoulie Bojang is vast in Gambian
football, so I am very confident we will make it and raise the national flag
high” said Sowe.
Mariama,
meanwhile, believes that Gambia should take a new leaf and start supporting
women’s football in order to flourish at continental level.
“We’re
well positioned to make women’s football a big success. What we need to do is
work hard and takes a long-term approach to planning while the general public,
including institutions and companies come together and support.”
The
development of women’s football has faced several challenges; including funding
– another but major issue impacting the game in the country, and most financial
assistance comes from FIFA and not national football Federation. But as the
women’s national team set for a new challenge, the GFF has positive belief in
these girls.
The
introduction of the national team which currently trains at the national
technical center in Yundum is the first national team that is seeking CAF &
FIFA recognition.
The
Gambia Women’s National team will first horn their skills against a visiting
Cape Verde later in August 26th in an international friendly ahead of the 2018
qualifiers which starts on February 26th.
