AFCON 2022: Gambia releases 40-man provisional squa

Ahead of the 2022 African Cup of Nations scheduled to run from January 9 2022 to February 6 2022, head coach of the Gambian national team, Tom Saintfiet, has released his 40-man provisional squad.

It is believed that the Belgian tactician will trim his squad to 28 players before the start of the tournament following CAF’s announcement.

Saint Etienne’s former French U-17 and U-19 midfielder, Mahdi Camara has been invited to the team alongside Dembo Darboe who have had a terrific form in the Belarusian top-flight 2021 season.

Darboe scored 19 goals and provided nine assists in 29 appearances to ensure Shakhtjor Soligorsk clinched the league title.

Also, AS Roma midfielder Ebrima Darboe and Italy-based duo of Omar Colley and Musa Barrow as well as former Swansea City forward Modou Barrow were named by Saintfiet.

Provisional Squad:

GOALKEEPERS: Baboucar Gaye, Sheikh Sibi, Lamin Sarr, Modou Jobe, Lamin Saidy

DEFENDERS: James Gomez, Noah Sonko Sundberg, Maudo Jarjué, Ibou Touray, Saidy Janko, Mohammed Mbye, Leon Guwara, Omar Colley, Sheriff Sinyan, Sulayman Bojang, Muhammed Sanneh, Pa Modou Jagne, Bubacarr Sanneh

MIDFIELDERS: Dawda Ngum, Ebrima Sohna, Sulayman Marreh, Ebrima Darboe, Yusupha Bobb, Ebou Adams, Alasana Manneh, Mahdi Camara, Yusupha Njie, Ablie Jallow, Steve Bubacarr Trawally, Ebrima Colley

FORWARDS: Lamin Jallow, Bubacarr Jobe, Assan Ceesay, Muhammed Badamosi, Modou Barrow, Dembo Darboe, Musa Barrow, Kalifa Manneh, Nuha Marong Krubally, Abdoulie Sanyang

The Scorpions who sealed a qualification in next year’s AFCON after winning Group D of the qualifiers ahead of Gabon, DR Congo and Angola will be making their maiden appearance when the flagship African football competition kick-starts in Cameroon where they’ve been drawn in Group F along with Tunisia, Mali and Mauritania.

Gambia will play their opening match on 12 January 2022 when they take on Mauritania in Limbe before facing Mali and Tunisia.