By Sulayman Bah
Gambia have found itself disadvantaged after Caf said the Scorpions match with Gabon will go ahead, Foroyaa Sport can report.
Gambia face Gabon March 26th in Libreville for the first of a two-legged outing in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifications.
The Scorpions have at least five notable players in Italy where the virus-triggered epidemic has led to the European country shutting all its borders.
Doubts initially lingered over possibilities of the Gabon-Gambia encounter and other qualifiers taking place as the pandemic eats deep into rest of the world.
However, caf (Confederation of African Football) said yesterday all its competitions including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifications will not be affected suggesting games could be staged indoors in worst case scenarios.
The revelation means Gambia will have to do without five of its key players who would be trapped in coronavirus-hit Italy and would likely not be allowed to fly over to Libreville if Italy’s closure of its borders continues.
Earlier, Scorpions coach Tom Siantfiet, in a heart-warming interview, argued health of players and fans should be taken into consideration by caf, urging the Africa soccer governing entity delay the matches.
With the Belgian’s wishes not granted, it means trouble looming for the Scorpions against a solid Gabon who have zero players in Italy and the lethal Arsenal’s Aubameyang in their midst.
With Musa Barrow and Juwara as well as Omar Colley, Sheikh Sibi technically ruled out, Sainfiet may have to use fringe or second option players.
