The Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has unveiled a preliminary 35-man squad ahead of the Scorpions’ 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia and Ghana later this month.
The Scorpions will mark their long-awaited return to the Independence Stadium in Bakau on September 25 when they host Somalia. The fixture will be the team’s first home match since March 2021 and the first in front of Gambian supporters since November 2019, following the completion of renovations at the stadium. Four days later, the team will travel to Accra to face Ghana on September 29.
McKinstry noted that the strong start to the club season by several Gambian players made the selection process highly competitive. The final squad will be announced after the team assembles in Banjul on September 21.
The coach also confirmed that discussions are underway to arrange an international friendly in Bakau during the extended October FIFA window, which allows national teams to play up to four matches. However, the proposed friendly has yet to be finalised.
The announcement signals a new chapter for Gambian football, as fans eagerly anticipate the Scorpions’ return to their home ground and the start of another AFCON qualifying campaign
