By Alieu Ceesay
The Gambia opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Somalia on Friday, and the result mattered almost as much as the setting. For the first time in five years, the Scorpions played an international match on home soil after renovations at Independence Stadium.
Ebrima Colley put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot in the 18th minute. Somalia leveled through Bilal Njie in the 72nd minute before Mohamed Badamosi headed the winner in the 83rd minute. The late goal sent a packed ground into celebration and gave The Gambia three points from their first Group C fixture against a pool that also includes Ghana and Ivory Coast.
Kick-off was listed for 16:30, but supporters in red, white, blue and green began arriving from as early as 11 am. The stands filled with flags, drums and the noise of a stadium that had been closed to this kind of night for too long.
“It’s an exciting moment for me to return to the stadium. We won the game, but it was a tough one for us,” said Lamin Sarr. He urged patience, arguing that the reopening raises the bar for the Scorpions as they chase a first convincing run of home results.
Not every reaction was uncritical. Lamin Sallah praised the occasion but called for a clearer ticketing system. “It was a nice match, but let the organizers stop selling tickets online before the game. During the match, we saw them selling tickets here at the stadium. Let them choose one method, either online only or physical, as it’s confusing.”
For a supporter named Lessa Camara, the night was about more than three points. “It’s a joyful moment for us because we haven’t watched a match here in a long time. Now, it will be a win for us.”
Ebrima Njie was less impressed with the display. “It was a poor performance from the boys; there was no urgency, and they could have scored more goals. The formation was also wrong, but Alhamdulillah, we won.”
The victory gives the Scorpions an early foothold in the group after Ivory Coast beat Ghana 2-0 in the other fixture. Next comes a sterner test away to Ghana.
