Mr. Barrow was speaking during a visit by the Scorpions to State House on Wednesday following their return from Cameroon from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
“As the captain and the entire players with you in Cameroon, we apologise for the delay on your return to the country and we will avoid it next time,” he said. “It is a learning process and we can always learn to avoid such things from happening.”
According to him, his government has recognised the team’s performance in Cameroon.
“You have made us proud. You are welcome back home and I think everybody is proud of you. Congratulations and thank you very much for whatever you have done for your country.”
Barrow added that the government would continue to monitor and support the Scorpions as Gambians and as the football team of the country.
“We are very proud of you. Thank you very much. Good luck and wish you all the best on your way back to your various clubs.”
Pa Modou Jagne, the Scorpions captain, said their Afcon journey was a success, noting that they would continue doing their best to qualify to future Afcon tournaments consistently.
“We set the bar high and it’s just a matter of trying to qualify every year for the Afcon tournament. Our aim is to be at the Afcon always. We love participating in the tournament and we will work hard for it. It’s just a matter of keep believing in the qualifiers.”
Talking about the delay of their return and the frustration it caused, Captain Jagne said he didn’t have much to say, adding that maybe God decided that it happened that way.
“We all wanted to come back home and celebrate with our fans but this is our wish as human beings. But God has another plan and his plan is the best.”
Speaking earlier, both the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie and the president of Gambia Football Federation (GFF), Lamin Kaba Bajo, assured the team of their support.
Bajo said plans are underway for the Scorpions preparation for the Afcon 2023 in Ivory Coast beginning with the preliminaries against Chad next month (March).
