The Gambia’s senior national football team, the Scorpions, returned to the Independence Stadium in Bakau on Monday for their first training session at the venue in five years as preparations intensify for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
The Scorpions held their first training session at the national stadium ahead of Friday’s opening Group qualifier against Somalia.
The Gambia will host Somalia on Friday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. at the Independence Stadium, with the Scorpions seeking a positive start to their qualification campaign.
Head coach Jonathan McKinstry had almost his entire squad available for Monday’s session, with 24 players currently in camp, except for one player still completing his travel arrangements.
New recruit Joseph Colley, a former Chelsea youth player, took part in the training session after receiving his first call-up to the senior national team.
Captain Omar Colley was also among the players in training, alongside Ebrima Colley, Ebou Adams, Muhammed Badamosi and Sheriff Sinyan.
Abdoulie Bambally Sanyang, meanwhile, was expected to arrive from Croatia on Monday and join the rest of the squad as preparations continue.
The return to the Independence Stadium gives added significance to Friday’s fixture, as the Scorpions prepare to play a competitive international at home after several years away from the venue.
Somalia have already arrived in The Gambia, landing at Banjul International Airport ahead of Friday’s AFCON qualifying encounter.
The match will mark the Scorpions’ return to competitive international football at the Independence Stadium and will be closely watched by Gambian supporters.