AFCON 2021: Gambia set for AFCON debut
Setting the tone for the rest of the tournament, Gambia would be hoping to get off to winning ways as they make their African Cup of Nations debut against Mauritania. Although they are the lowest ranked side in the competition sitting at a 150th in the world, their captain Omar Colley has said that his squad would aim to cause an upset.
They head into their Group F opener under the leadership of Belgian, Tom Saintfiet, who has coached a number of international sides and has proven that Gambia has conceded less and scored more goals since he has been at the helm, registering impressive wins against Gabon and Angola during the qualifying stages to top their group.
Skipper Colley who applies his trade at Sampdoria, is confident in his side’s ability to win matches. This could be due to the form of another Serie A based player, Bologna striker Musa Barrow. So far this season, the 23-year-old has hit the back of the net five times in the Italian top flight and also has three assists to his name. His versatility at the top of the pitch is what makes him truly special as he is able to play across the front three.
Their opponents, Mauritania have made it clear that they need to be tighter at the back as they prepare to start their campaign. Didier Gomes Da Rosa would rely on the likes of defensive midfielder Khassa Camara, the only player to have featured for the national team in the 2019 edition of the finals. The 103rd ranked team in the world failed to get out of the group stage during their first African Cup of Nations. It is interesting to note that they will once again have Tunisia and Mali in their group and will therefore be gunning to take points off Gambia in order to make it to the next round.
Enjoying every minute of the game so far…solid write-up Kemi…wishing all teams the best; especially Naija(even though I wasn’t expecting much from them), they were quite impressive playing against Egypt…More of that…let’s go #teamNaija#….