The Scorpions lost to Senegal 3-0 in their opening Group C match played on Monday 15 January 2024.
Coach Saintfiet was speaking to journalists during a pre-match press conference held yesterday, Thursday, ahead of their crunch clash against the Guineans.
“We are ready to extend our stay here. I am disappointed with last match’s result and we are determined to win today,” coach Saintfiet said.
He revealed that Abdoulie Jallow and Ebrima Colley would be available for their clash against Guinea Conakry.
“I watched Guinea and Cameroon’s match and if not for the red card Guinea received, they could have won that match,’’Saintfiet said.
He describes Guinea Conakry and Cameroon as strong teams, but says they are going all out to secure a victory against Guinea Conakry. “My players are ready for the Guinea Conakry clash,” he expressed optimism.
Saintfiet stated that the return of Abdoulie Jallow and Ebrima Colley is a big boost for his side.
‘‘As a coach, you always want to win every game but even a draw is not easy,” he said, adding: ‘‘We have to win Guinea to maintain our chances of staying in the competition.”
The Gambia coach pointed out that it does not matter who they face, saying Girsay and Bayo are good but he would not focus only on those players.
However, coach Sainfiet took a swipe at the Gambian media, saying: “You are trying to embarrass me in front of the international media. You the Gambian journalists are trying to influence the mindset of the fans, the players and other people.
“When we win, you are happy but when we lose, I am the worst coach in the history of The Gambia.
“When I defend and we win matches you celebrate but when I attack and we concede a lot of goals, I am the worst coach.”
He recalled successes of the team from friendly matches, saying: “When we defended and won against Tunisia, Morocco and other teams you people were happy.
“Let me tell you this; before I came to The Gambia, The Gambia had not won a match for 5 years.
“Don't forget, the Gambian league is not a professional league. Some players are paid less than 50 dollars a month.
‘The Gambia never qualify for the AFCON before I came and now we are here. You people think that we can beat everyone! You think we cannot be beaten!”
