By Arfang M.S. Camara
Gambian players have started jetting to Doha for their training camp ahead of their maiden Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon which starts on 9 January.
According to GFF communication director, Baboucarr Camara, the first batch of Scorpions arrived in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday and are currently lodged at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
“They (Scorpions players) were received at the Hamad International Airport by the Gambian Ambassador in Qatar Mr. Foday Malang and Embassy staff. The delegation, comprising of players and officials, also unite with Head Coach Tom Saintfiet and his technical staff,” said GFF in a post.
The Gambia senior national team is set to play the Afcon title defending champions Algeria and Syria on 1st and 5th January 2022.
The Scorpions will use their two warm up matches to prepare themselves for the continent’s bi-annual biggest football showpiece in Cameroon.
The Gambia have been drawn with Tunisia, Mali and Mauritania in Group F of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Scorpions are set to begin their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Mauritania on 12 January 2022 before rubbing shoulders with Mali in their second group match on 16 January 2022.
The Gambia will play against Tunisia in their third and final group match on 20 January 2022.
Meanwhile, the Scorpions secured qualification to the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations after finishing top-spot in Group D of the qualifiers with 10 points after six group matches.