Gambia qualified for the quarter-finals of the African Cup on Monday in Bafoussam, Cameroon following beating Guinea (1-0). Bologna striker Musa Barrow scored the game’s only goal in the 71st minute.
For its first participation in the African Nations Championship, Gambia will face Cameroon, host country, in the quarter-finals. It remains to be seen what speech Tom Saintfiet will then make to his players. The one he gave before the clash once morest Guinea was worth it.
“What has happened in recent days is incredible. But it makes us stronger,” said the Belgian technician in the dressing room. “We had bad luck, with a bad pitch, and yet we are still fighting. We are one team, it doesn’t matter who plays where. Play smart, play simply, start focused and don’t give free kicks in areas dangerous. Play compact and not too close to the sixteen, and try to get out quickly.”
“But most important of all: we are going to win as a team. Today we are going to make history. Today we are going to show the whole world, not just The Gambia, that you are heroes. All the bad luck of the past few days means nothing today because following this game we will celebrate. Then we will beat Cameroon in the quarter-finals.”
“Today, you will show the WHOLE WORLD, not only Gambia, that you are all heroes.” ????♂️
They sure did … #TeamGambia coach Tom Saintfiet’s final words before the historic result will just give you goosebumps. ????#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | @TheGambiaFF pic.twitter.com/NRnk5uSOfu
— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 ???? (@CAF_Online) January 24, 2022