The Scorpions held a recovery session following the Gambia’s home win against Somalia on Friday September 25 in Match Day 1 of the Afcon 2027 Qualifiers at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
The team focused on light tactical recovery to regain physical fitness before another scheduled training on Sunday.
Coach Johnathan McKinstry has invited in four standout players from the national U-17 squad for today’s recovery session.
Scorplings captain Omar Marong, Omar Badjie best player of the tournament, Alieu Saine joint top scorer and star goal keeper Vanou Gomez were all invited by Johnny to serve as motivation and a development step to reward the teenage champions in order to build up steps for their possible future to the senior national team.
The Gambia secured a hard fought 2-1 victory against Somalia at home on Friday 25th September 2026 in the opening leg of the Scorpions TotalEnergies CAF Afcon PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers. The win marked the Scorpions return to the Independence Stadium after six years of absence in front of their home fans.
Mesmerizing forward Ebrima Colley opened the scoring for the Gambia when he converted a spot kick in the 18th Minute after Abubakar Barry was brought down in the box. The Gambia continued its dominance of ball possession but could not increase the tally.
Somalia however restored parity in the 72nd minute through Bilai Njie Cali a Somali player of Gambian descent who slotted in a loose ball to the bottom right corner.
The Gambia responded through substitute Muhammed Badamosi who rose high to Sulayman Camara’s diving cross and headed in Gambia’s second of the night in the 83rd minute to seal victory for the Scorpions.
The Scorpions will travel to Accra on Sunday with a game against Ghana scheduled for September 29th.
