The Gambia have also secured the sub-region’s sole qualification spot for the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship to be held in Congo.
Playing before a packed crowd at the Independence Stadium Hall in Banjul, the Scorpions produced a remarkable performance, twice coming from behind to defeat the Teranga Lions 20-25, 26-24, 24-26, 25-19, 15-10 in a dramatic five-set encounter that will be remembered as one of Gambian volleyball’s greatest moments.
The victory marks one of the most significant achievements in Gambian volleyball history, earning Gambia a place among Africa’s elite teams. Senegal had entered the final unbeaten and without dropping a single set throughout the tournament.
The Gambia Volleyball Federation President Bai Dodou Jallow hailed the triumph as a landmark moment for the sport in the country.
“Tonight, Gambian volleyball made history. These players showed heart, discipline and belief. We entered this tournament with a vision, and they delivered beyond expectations.
This qualification for Congo 2026 is dedicated to every Gambian child who dreams of wearing the national jersey.
The work begins now as we prepare to represent Zone 2 with pride on the continental stage.
Head Coach Fausto Palodiri masterminded the comeback after Gambia fell behind 2-1 in sets. Tactical adjustments, particularly in serving and blocking, disrupted Senegal’s rhythm and proved decisive in the final two sets
“I told the players at 1-2 that Senegal are champions, but they are human. We trusted our process, our preparation and the support of our fans in Banjul,” Palodiri said.
“To defeat a team of Senegal’s quality in a five-set final, at home, with so much at stake, is something special. I am incredibly proud of these players.
We are not going to Congo simply to participate.
we are going there to compete.”
“We carried a nation on our shoulders”
Captain Mario Dampha led by example, delivering crucial spikes and displaying composure during key moments, particularly at 22-22 in the fourth set and 10-10 in the deciding fifth set.
“This feeling is indescribable,” Dampha said after the final whistle.
“We carried a nation on our shoulders tonight. From Banjul to Basse, Gambians were watching, supporting and believing in us. We lost sets, we lost momentum at times, but we never lost faith. Congo 2026, we are coming, and we will make The Gambia proud.”
The Road to Congo
The Gambia finished the tournament with a 3-0 record, registering victories over Guinea-Bissau and Senegal and Cape Verde. The clash against Senegal effectively served as the tournament decider, with the winner claiming the Zone 2 title and qualification to the African Championship.
The 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship will take place in Congo later this year, where Gambia will proudly represent Zone 2 against the continent’s top volleyball nations.
Celebrations continued long into the night across Banjul and beyond as players, officials and supporters savoured a historic achievement.
For a sport that continues to grow in The Gambia, this victory represents a defining breakthrough moment.
From local courts to the continental stage, the Scorpions have earned their place among Africa’s best.
