By Arfang M.S. Camara
Scorpions coach Tom Saintfiet has praised and thanked Gambian fans for creating a fantastic atmosphere in Thies, Senegal during The Gambia game against South Sudan on Saturday.
The Gambia has their only stadium ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for not meeting required standards to play its Afcon qualifiers games.
The Scorpions of The Gambia defeated the Bright Stars of South Sudan 1-0 during the first of their Group G Afcon qualifiers played in Thies, Senegal.
Ablie Jallow alias ‘Germano’ scored the only goal in the match in the additional time of the first period.
“We were home away from home. But it felt well because we had a lot of fans supporting us. I had a very good feeling when the fans behind us were singing the national anthem,” said Tom Saintfiet during his post-match interview.
According to the Belgian-Gambian gaffer, he only experienced such support and cheers from opponents but never from Gambians.
“It was very lovely. I only experienced those kind support and cheers from opponents and not from Gambian fans.”
Coach Tom Saintfiet revealed that he is so proud to be Gambian, while thanking Gambian fans for travelling to Senegal to cheer and support their team.
“I’m so proud to be Gambian and to have fans in the stadium singing the anthem and celebrating with the team. So thank you very much to all the Gambian fans.
Eliman Joof, an Ardent Gambian football supporter expressed happiness for the way Gambians fans travelled to Thies, Senegal to support and cheer the national team.
He however, expressed mixed-feelings after The Gambia played its home match outside its borders to neighbouring Senegal.
“I am so happy seeing my fellow Gambians traveling to Senegal to support the team. Fans could’ve been bigger than this if the game was played in Banjul.”
According to him, the reason for travelling to Senegal to support the Scorpions is as a result of the love they have for the country.
He called on the government to help in renovating the stadium so that The Gambia can play its subsequent games in the country.
