Antalya Bubble: Newcomers headline Gambia’s summer camp ahead of AFCON

By Abdoulie Bah

Ebrima Darboe Peruzzi’s first taste of International camp with The Gambia in Antalya, Turkey| photos courtesy of GFF Media

Scorpions Head Coach Tom Saintfiet has sprung up what could be described as surprises by calling up between seven to ten new faces including the AS Roma youngster Ebrima Darboe, already looking to strengthen his squad for the Africa Cup of Nations early 2022.

It will be The Gambia’s first appearance at a major tournament in her entire history.

Uncapped yet inform striker Dembo Darboe who has netted 29 times in 27 outings for club this season is reported to have pulled out due to covid restrictions.

Tom Saintfiet remarked on Monday: “The Covid -19 situation makes it difficult for travelling because the players are coming from different destinations, but we are expecting the final batch in the evening,”

The scorpions have line-up three not-so-exciting but potentially vital warm up matches during their next couple of weeks stay in the Turkish resort of Antalya, first of which is a game against central African side Niger, followed by fellow West Africans Togo before wrapping it up against European minors Kosovo.

The Gambian gaffer was further quoted on the Federation website saying: “We have to be very careful with injuries and take care of the players and their clubs as well,” he added, noting that full sessions that includes tactical training would however be in place in the subsequent days.

“And I’m really satisfied with all the three teams, Togo and Kosovo [as well].”

Sulayman Marreh, Ebrima Darboe, Musa Barrow, Musa Juwara, Ebrima Colley, Abdoulie Jallow, Yusupha Njie, Assan Ceesay and Muhammed Badamosi were said to be the first badge of players to arrive with more landing overnight.