By: Baboucarr Fallaboweh
The Scorpions returned to Turkey after one year, and Tom Saintfiet’s charges will be hoping for positive results, which will send a signal to Mali.
DR Congo edged the Gambia courtesy of a Kazadi penalty, which significantly didn’t matter by then as the Gambia had already sealed a qualification.
They lost one and won the other in the September games, while Liberia drew 0-0 against Niger before being beaten by Egypt.
The unclear communication concerning who is financing this trip will be another topic for another day.
What is essential is that the Gambia will honor and make the best use of the international calendar.
Tom Saintfiet has given 32 players their debut, and the list will not slow down soon.
The question remains though who will earn his debut in the training camp?
Steve Trawally and Ebrima Darboe are recovering from knee injuries, while Abdoulie Sanyang, who has five goals in 10 Ligue 2, is unlikely to make it.
Matar Ceesay, Jesper Ceesay, and Alfusainey Jatta are all midfield options that can play alongside Saul Marreh, even if Hamza Barry is back.
Barry, unlike Alasana Manneh, is yet to find his foot in Denmark, but he has been a player the Gambia has been missing since his injury.
Alfusainey has 25 league matches under his belt. The 23-year-old can operate as a defensive-central midfielder, while he has been used as a center-back in the latter part of the stages.
Saul Marreh can still operate in central midfield while we allow Saikou Touray to unlock the opponent’s den.
Ebrima Colley and in-form Modou Barrow will play, but Alieu Fadera’s club form makes him a contender if Tom doesn’t look far.
This is considering the emergence of Lamin Jarjou, Yankuba Minteh, and Kajally Drammeh as to which one deserves a spot in the 23-man squad to face DR Congo and Liberia.
Fadera had four assists and two goals in 15 matches in the Belgian Pro league.
