In the tournament proper, the Scorpions put up impressive games against their opponent teams in both group and round of sixteen stages.
They lost 2-goal to nil, to host the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Saturday in the quarterfinal stages.
However, this is the country’s first-ever participation in what is believed to be the continent’s biggest football showpiece and progressing this far is amazing. From the skills and exuberance manifested by our darling Scorpions, there is indeed a future for Gambian football.
The Gambia first participated in the Afcon preliminary rounds in 1975, but were eliminated by Morocco in the first-leg fixture played in Banjul and even the second-leg tie played in Rabat.
In their run up to the campaign in the qualification stage was something that instilled hope among many Gambians about the potentials in the Gambian squad. They capitalized on every chance to make sure they represented the country in Cameroon.
This development by our Scorpions was something that was longed for by veteran stars like, Biri, Jatto Ceesay, Ebou Sillah and the list goes, who sacrificed their efforts but to no avail, to put the country’s name in the continent’s biggest football fiesta.
The whole country will forever be grateful to these football veterans for their sacrifice.
We extend special commendation to the coaching staff and the entire players for their exceptional performance.
What is even interesting to note is that the Scorpions have made a number of fans in the ongoing 2021 Afcon tournament as newcomers.
Football is indeed becoming a fast lucrative venture. Investing in sport development is investing in the country’s development.
We thus call on the government to invest more in sports as this would also create an avenue for young people.
This recent development by Scorpions should serve as a challenge especially for those interested in sport development such as government, NGOs, corporate bodies and individuals to invest.