In a statement released on Wednesday. Ambassador Malang praised the Government of Qatar for its steadfastness and resolve to achieve this monumental feat. Here is the full text of the Ambassador’s statement.
“On behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow of the Republic of the Gambia, the Gambia Government and people, the Gambian Mission here in Doha and our expatriate community, I would like to congratulate His Highness Sheikh Thamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Government of the state of Qatar and its friendly people for bringing the FIFA World Cup finally to Doha, here in the Gulf and greater Middle East for the first time. Congratulations to the Qatari nation that have worked diligently, purposefully and conscientiously to create an environment here in Doha that will accommodate the world’s greatest football ceremony; here in Doha, the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Now the Qatari nation for the past twelve years worked very hard, intertwined culture with infrastructural development creating six stadia from the ground and upgrading others to accommodate this World Cup. It is a world cup that will be talked about all over the world for a very long time to come.
Now the Gambia may not be participating in this tournament as a footballing nation, however the Gambia and Gambian people are determined to partake in this tournament in an outstanding manner. The Gambia will be represented by referee Bakary Gassama, who will be officiating his third FIFA World Cup in a row. Already former Director General of GRTS Malik Jones is working with Qatar QBS Radio (English) and will be broadcasting during the tournament. We are expecting high level visits including the president of the Gambia Football Federation and his delegation, we have volunteers from our expatriate community and we have our cultural troupes preparing to come to Doha to perform a flamboyance of a kind. The King of Kora, Jaliba Kuyate who will be heading this group if they find their way to Doha finally , already has coined a song that is trending on YouTube dedicated to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Spotlight on the Black Stars of Ghana
Ghana qualified for their fourth World Cup after defeating West African rivals Nigeria on away goals in Abuja. After a goalless first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, Thomas Partey scored Gnana’s goal 10 minutes from start, following an unforgivable mistake by goalkeeper Francis Uzoho. Nigeria however equalized through Captain William Troost-Ekong from the penalty spot but that was never enough and the Super Eagles missed out. In Qatar, Ghana find themselves in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and what pundits label as their nemesis Uruguay.
Goalkeepers: Manaf Nurudeen (Eupen), Danlad Ibrahim (Asante Kotoko) Lawrence Ati Zigi (St Gallen).
Defenders: Denis Odoi (Fulham), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton), Alidu Seidu (Clermont), Daniel Amartey (Leicester), Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo), Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg), Mohammed Salisu (Southampton) Abdul-Rahman Baba (Reading) Gideon Mensah (Auxerre).
Midfielders: Andre Ayew (Al-Sadd) Thomas Partey (Arsenal) Elisha Owusu (Gent), Salis Abdul Samed (Lens), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax), Daniel Kofi Kyereh (Freiburg).
Forwards: Daniel Barnieh Afriyie (Hearts of Oak), Kamal Sowah (Club Brugge), Issahaku Abdul Fatawu (Sporting Lisbon), Osman Bukari (Red Star Belgrade), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Bristol City), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace) Kamaldeen Sulemana (Rennes).
Ghana’s fixtures in Qatar
November 24 Portugal v Ghana – Stadium 974 (8pm)
November 28 South Korea v Ghana – Education City Stadium (5pm)
December 2 Ghana v Uruguay – Al Janoub Stadium (7pm)
The Black Stars are in high spirits following their qualification to Qatar 2022 with friendlies already with Brazil, Nicaragua and Switzerland before the World Cup. Group D is a very strong one and the Black stars will need to fight and make an impact against Uruguay the Black stars will fail if they view it as a time to revenge, they will lack concentration and anger will take precedence over strategy and a desire to win.
Ghana has over the years, shown that they can compete with big teams and, in some cases, beat them. There are only five African teams in this tournament and they all need Africa’s unrivalled support whenever they play and this is how we should always be behind our own fellow brothers in order to make history in this tournament.
Injury watch list
World champions France have suffered a blow with the news Christopher Nkunku will miss the World Cup through injury after limping out of training.
Didier Deschamps’ side have already been stung by injuries, including N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Presnel Kimpembe, and the Leipzig star is the latest talent to pull out of the showpiece event.
England meanwhile have touched down in Qatar, with Gareth Southgate poised to get his first look at his squad with injury concern over James Maddison, who was substituted for Leicester at the weekend.
