The Gambia’s dream of winning at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) hit a surprise snag when the national football team, the Scorpions, had to make a quick U-turn just nine minutes into their flight. The Gambian Football Federation (GFF) shared a statement late last night, explaining that their special flight had to go back to Banjul because of some technical problems.
The chartered flight, under the operational wing of Air Côte d’Ivoire, had scarcely ascended when the crew identified a glitch, necessitating an immediate decision to return to the Capital Banjul. The official statement indicated, “Upon landing, preliminary investigations indicated that there was loss of cabin pressure and oxygen. However, the technical team of the operating company of the flight, Air Cote d’Ivoire is further assessing the situation to establish what caused the lack of oxygen and cabin pressure.”
Despite this unforeseen setback, reassuring news emerges that the complete team, including both players and staff, is confirmed to be secure and in optimal health.
“In this regard, the team, including the players and staff are now on their way to base at the Ocean Bay Hotel as they await further instructions,” the statement added. Later on, there was an update saying the team had resumed the journey to Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.
As the AFCON 2023 unfolds, The Gambian football team finds itself placed in Group C alongside Cameroon, Guinea, and the defending champions, Senegal. The Scorpions are poised to commence their tournament journey with The Lions of Teranga on January 15, 2024, at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.
