By Momodou Jarju
Home-based Scorpions defender Saikou Jatta has told GFF Media that they know what’s at stake as they brace up for the crucial encounter against Algeria in the first leg of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) play-offs on the third of next month at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
“As you can see, we are highly motivated at Gambia so everybody knows what is at place because we know we want to qualify for the first time as our brothers did it in the Afcon so we also want to qualify in the CHAN competition so that some of us can be lucky and gain professional contracts and start a new life,” Jatta said.
He further said that they hope to open the Independence Stadium with a win and score many goals with the support of the fans.
Banned little over three years ago, the aforesaid stadium will host its maiden international match in eleven days from today after CAF recently granted a temporary approval for games to be played there. Since it was built over four decades ago, the stadium is experiencing its first major maintenance which kicked in after the ban.
Also speaking to GFF Media, shot-stopper and captain Lamin Saidy urged Gambian fans to fill the stadium to the very brim as they bid for the country’s maiden appearance at the CHAN finals. Saidy said it’s a pleasure to don the colours of the country’s team as they prepare to face the Algerians.
“This game is very important for us. We want the fans to come out and support us,” he said.
Head Coach Alhagie Sarr and his charges have since begun training at the Ousman Saho Football Field in Old Yundum ahead of the game. Sarr has invited four players to join the fold which increased the number to 27 as reported by GFF Media.
The new invitees are Pa Modou Sohna who recently joined BST Galaxy from Moroccan first tier side Had Soualem FC, Hart FC goalkeeper Abdoulie Bayo, and Fortune FC duo striker Gaira Joof and centre-back Abdoulie Tamba.
When quizzed about their invitation, Sarr said the quadruple will add experience and maturity to the squad.
Meanwhile, the winner over the two legs qualifies for the CHAN in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2025 to be played later this year.
