Gambian foreign-based players returned to action over the weekend, with several making their league debuts for new clubs as the 2025/26 season gathers momentum across Europe.
New signings Yaya Bojang and Alasana Jatta made their Liga Portugal Betclic debuts, while Abubacarr Barry and Lamin Jawo were introduced in the second half for their respective clubs. In Denmark, Bubacarr Tambedou also made his Superliga debut for Sønderjyske.
Around 25 percent of Gambian players abroad are yet to begin their league campaigns.
England
Yankuba Minteh was forced off in Brighton’s 3-0 home victory over Roma after sustaining a leg injury. The Gambian winger was replaced by Ghanaian international Osman in the 59th minute.
Minteh was involved in the build-up to Ayari’s second goal before his early departure. Brighton secured their second consecutive victory, while Gambian supporters now await the results of Minteh’s medical scan.
Elsewhere, Ebou Adams started in a number 10 role for Portsmouth as Pompey surrendered an early lead to lose 3-1 to West Ham United.
Adrian Segečić put Portsmouth ahead in front of around 9,000 travelling supporters, but goals from Castellanos, Bowen turned the game around and sent the Hammers into the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Portsmouth have now played five matches, recording two defeats and three draws.
Portugal
Gambian internationals Alasana Jatta and Yaya Bojang both made their Liga Portugal Betclic debuts but ended on the losing side.
Jatta was introduced in the 78th minute for Casa Pia, while Bojang started for FC Alverca and played 60 minutes.
Bojang joined Alverca on a four-year contract after an impressive campaign with Odense, where he made 36 appearances.
Switzerland
Servette came from behind to beat Grasshopper 2-1 on matchday three of the Swiss Super League.
Former Gambinos forward Alieu Conateh came on in the 63rd minute, replacing Muci.
Conateh has now featured in all three of Servette’s league matches this season.
Czech Republic
A 62nd-minute header from Cedidla was enough to give Jablonec a winning start to their Czech First League campaign.
Three Gambians featured in the match, all entering the game in the second half.
Lamin Jawo replaced Rusek in the 46th minute for Jablonec, while Ousman Ceesay and Gibril Sosseh were introduced for the visitors.
Meanwhile, Baboucarr Faal made his second appearance for Viktoria Plzeň, replacing Prebsl in a remarkable 5-5 draw against Teplice.
Ebrima Singhateh was suspended as Sparta Praha recorded a 2-0 away victory over Mladá Boleslav.
Austria
Abubakr Barry was introduced at half-time for RB Salzburg in their 1-1 draw against Wolfsberger AC.
Barry replaced Danish midfielder Kjaergaard and came close to scoring an equaliser, but his effort went narrowly wide.
Sweden
Swaibou Kebbeh made his Allsvenskan debut as Hammarby defeated BK Häcken 3-0 at the 3Arena.
Kebbeh replaced Paulos Abraham in the 85th minute to make his first appearance for Hammarby’s senior side.
Since being recalled from his loan spell at Sundsvall, Kebbeh had remained on the bench before finally making his debut in front of the home supporters.
Denmark
Bubacarr Tambedou made his home debut for Sønderjyske in their goalless draw against Viborg.
The Gambian international was introduced in the 58th minute and came close to breaking the deadlock as Sønderjyske searched for a winner, but the game ultimately ended 0-0.
Meanwhile, Alagie Saine played the full 90 minutes for AC Horsens as they suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Brøndby.
Finland
KuPS and TPS shared the points in a 1-1 draw on matchday 19.
Veinberg denied league leaders crucial three points with a 90+2-minute equaliser.
Gambian midfielder Saikou Touray came on in the second half, replacing Jyry.
Latvia
Muhammed Badamoesi continued his outstanding scoring form in Latvia, netting his 17th league goal of the season for Riga.
The Gambian striker connected with a Tonisevs cross inside the box before calmly slotting home with a low right-footed effort.
Badamoesi then turned provider, assisting Riga’s third and fourth goals as they secured another emphatic victory.
He now has 17 goals and five assists in 23 league appearances.
Elsewhere, Metta FK boosted their goal difference with a huge victory over FRS II, with Gambian forward Sellou Jallow scoring twice.
Friendly
Ali Sowe finally found the net during pre-season, extending Çaykur Rizespor’s lead against Egyptian side Pyramids.
The Turkish side went on to secure victory over their Egyptian opponents.
