Gambia versus Guinea preview
Guinea, a tougher test but derbies are won by the team that plays more with its heart.
Scorpions United in prayer and purpose
By Shiekh Tijan Gaye
Alagie Sarr(middle) was interim Head Coach in 2007 when Gambia last played Guinea in a competitive clash
The fairytale, dream journey or whatever one may qualify this epic feat of our scorpions, continues. It is another West African (Zone Two) derby against a side which is highly influenced by the French philosophy of the game – ‘technical skill set, fluidity and penetration’. I am highlighting this because we have lately got a habit of squeezing and narrowing channels/outlets against such sides and drawing results from them. We perfected this blueprint by fusing all sorts of footballing philosophies and having the universal tactic of the underdog, “sitting behind the ball and hitting on the counterattack if the opportunity arises” as the standout feature.
Along the years we have witnessed some classic games in this fixture. In 1997 Zone Two tournament which we hosted, we lost the third place to them on post-match penalties after a 2-2 draw with goals from and Ebou Sillah and Bai Omar Samba. The most high-profile was in 2007, in a CAN qualifier when current assistant coach of The Gambia Alagie Sarr was interim coach. Goals from Pascal Feindouno and current Head Coach of Silly National Kabba Diawara broke Gambian hearts at the Independence Stadium. The return leg ended 2-2. We got the last win against them in a 2019 friendly during a training camp in Morocco. An Ebrima Sohna lone goal got us the win.
Former Guinea international Salam Sowe, a fine baller (one of the best players in CAN 1996) started the mind games putting a degrading connotation to the scorpion’s style of play. I think he is putting more pressure on his team by saying “If Guinea can’t win against The Gambia, they shouldn’t bother playing in AFCON anymore”. It is a very bold and demanding statement coming from a Guinea legend implying they must win. It’s down to us to get them cornered and unleash a response if they play with that arrogance.
Saul Marr back in contention for a start
Sulayman Marreh’s return will add more ball retention capacity and composure in our midfield. Musa Barrow and Ablie Jallow’s skill sets are currently attacking threats of our team and with the apparent return of Ebrima Colley, his pace, directness and cunning set-piece delivery added to our ever-growing confidence we can and surely will surprise the Guineans going forward.
Gambian players and officials performing lap of honour to supporters
The battle lines are drawn in a moment of truth without a second chance. Let’s play to our strength and ability that got us here. Let’s play with the biggest heart and determination. Let’s play with a sense of revenge of 1997 zone two when they denied us at least a bronze medal and the 2007 heartbreaking 2-0 defeat. Let’s do it for Coach Alagie Sillah and Coach Alagie Sarr to get one back against Kaba Diawara on the opposite dock who broke our hearts here.
We strive for the run to continue in the style. Till tomorrow.