Despite being eliminated from the African Cup of Nations by Algeria in the second leg of the AFCON qualifiers, Luciano Mancini, head coach of the Gambia senior national team, is hopeful The Gambia can still qualify for the World Cup despite occupying bottom place with just a single point in two games.
“Anything is possible in football but concentration is key in our team,” he said, adding that the team still has time to prepare before their next game.
He also highlighted the absence of certain senior players like Ousman Jallow, Tijan Jaiteh, Pa Dembo Touray among others in the team, noting that maturity is important in the team.
Mancini, who said he is constructing a team, apologised for the heavy defeat to Algeria but stated that the second goal (a penalty) The Gambia conceded against Tanzania was not a penalty.
Focus, determination and concentration is very important in the team, he said, noting that the players were not concentrating and that the early goal the team conceded against Algeria contributed to the team’s loss.
He said the game was difficult, especially at the start, while describing the Algerian team as very tough.
He also described Sulayman Marr’s performance in midfield, who replaced Tijan Jaiteh, as very good.
