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The Gambian Football Federation announced on Saturday that it was canceling two preparatory matches for the African Cup of Nations (January 9-February 6), including the one against Algeria which was to be held the same day, due to cases of Covid-19.
The Gambia canceled on Saturday 1is January its two preparatory matches for the African Cup of Nations (January 9-February 6), including the one against Algeria scheduled for the same day, announced the Gambian Football Federation (GFF), in particular due to cases of Covid-19.
“Due to the unavailability of 16 players, representing 57% of the 28 called, our friendly matches in preparation for the CAN against Algeria and Syria (scheduled for January 4, Editor’s note) have both been canceled,” said the GFF on Saturday in a statement.
Absences “caused by Covid-19, illnesses, injuries and travel restrictions,” Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet listed in a message on Facebook.
The situation raises questions eleven days before the first CAN finals match in the history of The Gambia, which qualified for the continental tournament for the first time. The West African country must face Mauritania on January 12, four days later Mali, and Tunisia on January 20 to close its group stage.
The cancellation of the match in Doha against Algeria provoked the ire of the Fennecs: “The Gambian side decided unilaterally and a few hours before this match to cancel this meeting on the pretext that this selection records the absence of ‘a goalkeeper! “, rebelled the Algerian Federation (FAF) in a statement.
With AFP
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