Turmoil Strikes Gambia’s AFCON Preparations: Boycotts, vandalism, and unrest
few days before the kickoff of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, Gambia finds itself in turmoil, jeopardizing its preparation for the tournament. On January 15, 2024, the Scorpions are scheduled to face Senegal on the first day, but internal issues have thrown the team into uncertainty.
Tensions erupted when the national team players chose to boycott training due to unpaid bonuses.
Discontent reached its peak when supporters, frustrated by access issues to the Bakau Stadium to attend the last training session, reacted violently.
Scenes of vandalism were witnessed, damaging a part of the recently renovated stadium.
Faced with this rising tension, authorities called on law enforcement to restore order. However, this only fuelled the flames, leading to clashes between disgruntled supporters and security forces, who used tear gas grenades to disperse the crowd.
These tumultuous developments have cast doubts on the focus and mental preparedness of the Gambian team approaching the continental tournament.
While football is expected to take the spotlight during the AFCON, Gambia is grappling with internal challenges that could potentially impact its performance in the prestigious African tournament.
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