By: Bubacarr Fallaboweh
Gambia’s success in Europe continues as Ebrima Darboe reached back-to-back finals. Paide had an impressive run of qualifiers last season, while Alfusainey Jatta’s FRS made it to the group stages of the Europa Conference league.
Champions League
Dembo Darboe, who is on loan with FC Astana, will play his 7th qualifier in Europe when FC Astana travels to Georgia to face FC Dinamo Tbilisi.
Moldovan champions FC Sheriff will travel to Romania to face FC Faru. Bubacarr Tambedou, who played 4 out of the five matches for Paide in the Europa Conference league qualifiers, is upbeat that FC Sheriff will reach the Champions League group stages. Their last appearance was the 2021/2022 season.
“I am confident we will make it through because everything is going well. We are well prepared for this; we will get through.”
Maudo Jarju and Slovak champions SK Slovan Bratislava have been pitted against the Champions of Luxembourg, FC Swift Hesper. Jarju has a wealth of experience in European competitions, having played nine games for Austria Vienna, FK Sabail, and the parent club Elfsborg. The 25-year-old defender played against Basel and Molde, among others.
The ties will be played on July 11/12, while the return leg is scheduled for 18–19 July.
Sheriff Sinyan has returned from injury, and the 26-year-old has played Molde’s last three league games. Molde will start the qualifiers of the Champions League in the second round.
Uefa Europa Conference League
Paide will make a short trip to Faroe Island, where they will face B36 Torshavn. Paide had a good run the last time, beating FC Dinamo Tbilisi, Ararat Armenia, before losing to Anderlecht in the third round. Goalkeeper Ebrima Jarju was on the bench, and he is poised to start.
Paide endured mixed results this campaign, but the former Real de Banjul captain, Ebrima Jarju, is upbeat this time.
“The team is back to shape again, as the Paide people know before. We will surprise many people in the European games because we, the players, are ready to fight.”
Alfusainey Jatta and RFS, who reached the competition’s group stage, will face Macedonian side FK Makedonija GP. Jatta has been out injured and will be hoping to return soon.
Gambian international midfielder Sainey Njie Club DAC 1904 will host FC Dila Gori on the 13th of July at MOL Arena. Njie was returning from loan and played 27 matches this concluded season.
