Uk's Top Gambian Sports pundit Njok Malik speaks out about the Gambian Scorpions qualification drama.. "For what it is worth, I think The Gambia FA should appeal or initiate a petition to FIFA or CAF arbitration.  The young Scorpions have"...Click

MONROVIA, Liberia — Dio Williams and Oliver Makor scored late goals and Liberia rallied for a 2-2 draw against Senegal on Sunday in a World Cup qualifier.Senegal had taken the lead in the 47th minute through Ahaji Diouf and Cheickh Gueye made it 2-0 in the 55th.But Williams...Click

Gambia secured a surprise win over Algeria on Saturday. Mustafa Jarjuh scored the only goal of the game, a penalty converted in the 19th minute. Algeria are left two points behind the leaders with three games played while Liberia stay bottom with two points.

The Algerian national football team arrived in Gambia Thursday to take on the national team of the Gambia, the Scorpions, in the World Cup / African Nations Cup qualifiers Saturday. The match will be played at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, Gambia Football Association (GAF) sources confirmed. Sources said the team was received at the Banjul International Airport by the of ficers of the GFA, including the Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambian Armed Forces and Vice President of the GFA. In Group 6 where the two countries belong, the Teranga Lions of Senegal is leading with four points; Algeria three; Gambia two and Liberia are just on one point.

Source: Afrik.com
(Thursday 12 June - 23:13)
 

BANJUL, Gambia: Senegal stayed on top of its World Cup qualifying group Sunday with a 0-0 draw against Gambia. Senegal has four points after two games, while Gambia is third in Group 6 with two points.The last time the neighboring rivals played in Gambia's capital in 2003, violence erupted in the stands. But Gambian authorities had beefed up security and Sunday's game went off peacefully in a stadium packed with more than 25,000 people.

Source: The Associated Press
June 8, 2008

Tragedy struck on the opening weekend of play in the second round of World Cup 2010 qualifying in Africa when at least eight fans died of suffocation in a rush to enter an overcrowded Samuel K. Doe Stadium in the Liberian capital of Monrovia, where the Lone Star hosted Gambia...Click

Liberia’s massive preparation leading to the Gambian match in the opening stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying campaign is on course as the Lone Star is set to play a few more trial matches in Germany and Morocco later this month.One problem...Click

Just weeks away from the start of their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying campaign, Gambia have been boosted by a jump into the top 100 on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. It is the first time the Scorpions have ventured into double figures on the world ladder, their previous best having been the 101st position they achieved...Click



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The Gambia Football Association (GFA) has made a plaintive appeal to football fans and other members of the general public, to be “on their best behaviour” in the build-up to preparations for the World Cup and African Nations Cup qualification rounds and other CAF-sanctioned football competitions for the year 2008. The appeal came in the wake of a huge financial sanction imposed on GFA by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). ...Click

The Gambia’s Zone II squad to the forthcoming Zone II tournament to be held in Guinea Bissau on November 30 to December 10 and top brass of the GFA were yesterday received at State House by Ousman Jammeh, secretary of state for Energy, Petroleum, Mineral Resources and head of the Civil Service on behalf of President Yahya Jammeh....Click

When it comes to Gambians, Edrissa Sonko is probably up there with my very favourite, writes Walsall blogger Ben Lowe.Our superb revival has been a team effort, no question about that, but Sonko has played an integral part and deservedly opened his Saddlers account with an...Click

Gambia Under 20 and Hawks midfielder Paul Jatta arrived England last Tuesday for a trial with Coca-Cola Championship side Southampton. Jatta will join fellow Gambian, Omar Krumah, who has been with Southampton’s academy since 2006.

“This is my first trial,  I’ll try my best and pray I’m chosen to stay,” said Jatta whose trip is reported to be facilitated by Gambian-born Ambros Mendy, a renowned FIFA Player agent. Paul Jatta was part of Gambian team that participated in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup finals, hosted in Canada in July 2007.

Gambia’s youthful team proved the most talented side in this year’s Inner City World Cup held September 8 and 9 2007 at London’s Regent’s Park. After winning the Community Shield trophy earlier in the year, the Gambia’s Yaram Arts squad increased in its assemble of young, skillful and target-oriented players. Gambia topped the group that also had Australia, Iraq and Bolivia. They skipped over Sierra Leone in the round of sixteen...Read

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The advent of the 2007 season ushers in a new era of Purple Knights soccer with the recent construction of Knights Field. This new pitch coupled with the talent returning and coming into the team provides great optimism and excitement for the upcoming campaign.

The Purple Knights will be led by Senior captain Randy Jean-Baptiste, a two time All-Conference performer and anchor of the midfield, and Vice-captain Senior Paulo Goncalves, All-Region performer and the team’s leading scorer from a year ago...Read

African Football Confederation announced yesterday several disposals that concern the last round of Ghana 2008 qualifying. The AFC has actually decided to schedule the matches of groups 7, 8, 9 and 10 on the same day and kick off at the same hour in order to guarantee sporting ethics. The last round is crucial for the mentioned groups as qualifiers are still...Read

After four months of week in week out league competition between 6 African teams, Yaram FC (Gambia) finally wrestle the coveted trophy under the noses of top Ghanaian team (Parkview FC) On Sunday 15^th July 2007 @ Hackney Downs Park.  Going to this last game of the season, the Ghanaian team was on top of the table with19 points and only needed a draw to be crowned champions. However, The Gambian side (Yaram FC) was second placed with 18 points and needed all the 3 points in this finale tussle.

The settings couldn’t be tenser if one recalls that Parkview FC already trashed Yaram FC (4-1) in their first round encounter.   So Coach Kabba Belle of The Gambia has his work cut out, if he upsets the much fancied Ghana side, he will be killing two birds with one stone; that is taking revenge for their earlier humiliation and then...Read

Wins for Gambia and Congo at the under-20 World Cup in Canada on Sunday secured second round places for all the four African sides in the tournament.Gambia and Congo dramatically beat Portugal and hosts Canada 2-1 and 2-0 respectively to book their places in the last 16. They will join Nigeria and Zambia who secured their second round place on Saturday. The Gambian...Read

Cairo - Mouloudia Alger of Algeria and Real Banjul of Gambia have secured places in the 2009 African Football Confederation club competitions.Fodil Hadjadj scored after 65 minutes of the Algerian Cup final to earn title holders Mouloudia a 1-0 victory over neighbours USMA, who were also losing finalists last year.

The victors qualify for the African Confederation Cup with third-placed league finishers JSM Bejaia while winners Entente Setif and runners-up Jeunesse Sportive Kabylie enter the African Champions League.

Real Banjul will be another African Champions League entrant next year after pipping Wallidan and Ports Authority in a thrilling climax to the Gambian title chase.

Banjul ended an eight-year title drought by coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Bakau United and pip Wallidan on goal difference while defending champions Ports blew their chance after losing 1-0 to Gamtel. - Sapa-AFP

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This Thursday’s edition of African Talking Point also covers a Special Report - The Power Of Football In Africa. The sport is seen as a means for restoration of hope where there seems none and has played a dynamic role in the lives of many Africans who have suffered severely from war. Goal.com creates more awareness about how much impact the game can have on...Read

Thanks to a good physical education programme in elementary school, I was raised to play and like sports, even though I’m no great athlete and made a less than intimidating quarterback on the soccer field. I once lost my volleyball team the game because I was daydreaming and caught the ball instead of bouncing it back, and I spent most of the games period in boarding school hiding out behind a dorm curtain...Read

Antoine Hey is to be replaced as Gambia coach after the German abandoned his postThe 37-year-old refused to travel to the west African country for next week's African Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea because he is owed money.


The Gambia sports ministry said a search for a replacement would begin after the Group Eight match in Banjul on 24 March. There was no formal contract between Hey and Gambia but rather an arrangement that he take charge of the team ahead of important matches, sports ministry secretary Sheik Omar Faye said.

The Gambia beat the Cape Verde Islands 2-0 in their opening qualifier last September but then lost to Algeria in their second game, which Hey took charge of.

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The Gambia Football Association (GFA) have collected only D45,062.75 from the boxes, which were placed in all over the Greater Banjul and Western Division.

The aim of the donation boxes was to get financial support from the general public for the Gambia National U-20 team on their way to the African Youth Championship in Congo...Read

The Gambia grabbed third place at the African Youth Championship with a strong 3-1 win over Zambia in the Congolese capital, Brazzaville on Friday.



Zambia played the better football in the first half, and on 39 minutes Musatwe Simutowe met a cross from the right with a powerful header to give them a 1-0 lead at the break. But Gambia fought back in the second half and Pa Modou Jagne equalised with a close range shot on 60 minutes.

Zambia were then reduced to 10 men when Henry Nyambe was dismissed for a second yellow card after bringing down Ken Malamin Jammeh.

Gambia took advantage of the extra man and on 68 minutes substitute Ousman Jallow scored from the penalty spot. With eight minutes left on the clock Jallow wrapped up the win as he headed home to get his second goal of the game. Both teams have qualified for the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Canada that starts in June.

Seyfo Soley is a powerful central defender who can also play as a defensive midfielder just like new signing Pavel Pergl can. Soley has arrived from Belgian league ledaers, Racing club Genk and he is another defender who brings champions league experience to Deepdale. He is the second signing for Preston on the transfer deadline day, and he is the third international to sign for PNE in three days.


Soley was on trial at Preston a couple of weeks ago and he impressed manager Paul Simpson. The Belgian club looked to have priced Preston out of a deal but they have since lowered the asking price meaning Soley was free to join North End.

The Gambian international has joined in a nominal fee. He reckons Preston can reach the Premiership next season, which is why he rejected an offer from Premiership strugglers Watford and also a new contract from his current club.

A much anticipated showdown between top ranked David Emanuel Academy and defending state champion Robert Toombs lived up to its pre-game hype last Friday night in Lyons. The Eagles and the Crusaders battled each other for four quarters, and through four...Read
 

Gambian international Seyfo Soley is in talks with Championship side Preston North End. The 26-year-old has been on trial at the second tier English club but returned to Genk with Preston unwilling to meet the Belgian side's valuation.


However, Genk have altered their stance and Preston coach Paul Simpson is optimistic a deal can be done. "We haven't agreed terms with the club or the player but talks are ongoing," he said. "He went back and said he wants to leave and wants to come to Preston so we're hopeful something will be sorted out before Wednesday."

Another Gambian in Kebba Ceesay has just signed a three and half year contract with Swedish giants Djurgaden.
Twenty year kebba hails from Fajara and moved to Sweden some six years ago when he took up football seriously. Within the short period, he has appeared for the Swedish under-21 and contemplating a called up for the senior squad to replace the aging Olof Melberg.

Kebba's only stint in club football was with Swedish second division side IK Brage, who made a quick drop from the Superettan, the Swedish equivalent of the Championship some two seasons ago.

In November 2006, he made his debut against France in a friendly and lost by 4-2.Kebba describe his move as a dream one and a challenge he is willing and prepared to undertake.

Asked about his willingness to don the Gambian colours, Kebba said he will need to consult his advisers but he will be happy to play for the Gambia.

Two young Gambian international footballers say they have faced racial abuse from opposition players while turning out for an Edinburgh club. Talented George Cole, 17, and Ousman Sonko, 18, who play for amateur side Tynecastle Star, say they have received racist taunts from rivals. The teenagers - who played for Gambia in last year's Under-17 World Cup, where they knocked out Brazil - have already caught the eye of Hearts and other professional clubs...Read
 

A SCHOOL football team in The Gambia are now sporting a new kit thanks to Hormead Hares FC.
The Crow League club have donated a set of shirts to the Lamin-Daranka Primary School in the African country.Marge and Kevin Coleman, who are friends on Hares' treasurer Peter Worby, spent Christmas in the country and took gifts for the local children in memory of Marge's son Andy Lee who died two years ago, having...Read

Gambian youths have showed a lot of talents and represented their country throughout United States in different sports like Basketball, Football (soccer), Athletics, and so on. Recently, a young talented brother Alex Mendy (To-boy), based in Tennessee/Maryland has been discovered. The 24 year old football player has carried the name of his country in several occasions...Read

What’s Gambian football without a mention of the all-time great Alhagie Njie aka Biri Biri? Who else can overshadow the monumental achievements of Biri Biri in Gambian football? He’ll go down in the history of Gambian football as the greatest football talent this country has ever produced. Just as no footballer can outshine King Pele, so no Gambian footballer can eclipse Biri Biri; they can only be like him. Great talents like Biri Biri are usually the benchmark for others...Read
 

BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – The inaugural Daktronics, Inc., Division II Men’s Soccer All-Northeast Region Team was announced Tuesday, and a total of 24 student-athletes were recognized on the two teams.

Dowling forward Morten Jensen (Stavanger, Norway) was recognized as the Northeast Region Player of the Year, and was one of seven members of the top-ranked Golden Lions to garner all-region first team accolades. Teammates joining Jensen on the all-region first team include: forward Guy Roland-Kpene, midfielders Ahmadoul Gaye and Carl Rydin, defenders Jon Nessa and Meshach Tinglin, and goalkeeper Billy Grady.

Shippensburg forward Geoff Bloes, C.W. Post midfielder Jose Batista, C.W. Post defender Jose Castillo and East Stroudsburg defender Ryan Love round out the first-team honorees. Members of the all-region first-team will now be placed on the national ballot for All-America consideration; the All-America teams are slated to be announced on Nov. 27.

Second-team forwards included: NYIT’s Peter Antoniades, Brideport’s Blaise Njie (Bangul, Gambia), West Chester’s Mike Pryor and Lock Haven’s Ashley Rosindale. Midfielders Frank Spanos of NYIT, Moussa Keita of Dowling, Jessey Fernandez of New Haven and Paulo Goncalves (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) of Bridgeport received second-team kudos, as did defenders Thomas Vaaland of Dowling, Norton Carnegie of Mercy, Damien Slubowski of New Haven and Vincent Tyrell of NYIT. The all-region second-team goalie was Rocco Morelli from C.W. Post.

In all, nine members of the all-region teams came from Dowling, while three apiece came from C.W. Post and NYIT. Bridgeport and New Haven each placed two athletes on the all-region second team.

Overseas Red Babucarr Senghore writes from The Gambia and explains what it's like supporting Liverpool from his part of the world in West Africa in this week's 'LFC Letter From..' column..I have had many Great memories following my beloved Liverpool Football Club from far away tiny Gambia.From thousands of miles away from our citadel of success - Anfield, I travel to...Read

University of Bridgeport senior forward Blaise Njie (Bangul, Gambia) was named as the East Coast Conference (ECC) Baden Offensive Player of the Week, as announced by the conference Monday afternoon.

Njie scored one goal in Bridgeport’s shutout of Molloy on Thursday and then he recorded a season-high four points in UB’s win over NYIT, tallying one goal and two assists. He currently leads the Purple Knights in assists with five and is tied for the team lead in overall points with 13. His outstanding play has helped the Purple Knight secure a spot in the ECC Tournament.

This is the first weekly honors for Njie, in his two-year collegiate career at Bridgeport. He is also the first Player of the Week for seventh year-head coach Brian Quinn this season.

The Purple Knights, who earned the No. 4 seed in the 2006 ECC Tournament will travel to Oakdale, N.Y. to play the No. 1 Dowling Golden Lions on Wednesday, October 25 in the semi-finals of the East Coat Conference Tournament. Kick-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Many Londoners of Gambian origin brushing shoulders with big shots in the UK in their own rights, yet most of them are not even known to their communities. One Such personality is Amina Ceesay-Jaiteh, an athlete burning the London city tracks with speed. Amina has come to the fore in British sprinting in her mid-20s. She was 7^th at 100m and sixth at 200m in the 2005 AAAs. She won the southern Championship 100 meters and 200 meters in 2004. She retained the titles the following year and has a personal best of 11.65 seconds for 100m and 23.97 for 200m. Amina is currently ranked 6^th in this year’s overall UK Challenge...Read

The name Cherno Samba is one that will stick in the minds of Plymouth fans after he scored the crouching, headed 82nd-minute winner on his debut with only his second touch.

"The name Cherno comes from Gambia where I was born," he said. "It means the king except I'm not a king." Samba, 21, grew up in a tough area in south London's Peckham where his football talent was spotted and at 14 he signed schoolboy forms with Millwall.

"I was pretty confident I would make it," he said. Mark McGhee and Dennis Wise, his managers at the New Den, disagreed so his astute agent got him a contract with La Liga's Cadiz instead. "I played against David Beckham. We lost 4-1 and I think he noticed me," he said.

"I learned Spanish and he hasn't yet! Then we were relegated and I was released. The best thing that's happened to me was signing for Plymouth. We are going places, maybe to the play-offs." Plymouth haven't won at Coventry since 1957 and home side boss Micky Adams said: "It is easy to say we were poor but that was probably as good an away performance as I've seen."

Without first choice strikers through injury, Plymouth boss Ian Holloway started with Reuben Reid, 18, a former Millfield schoolboy who chose football rather than playing cricket for Gloucestershire. Samba took over from him 17 minutes from the end.

The uninhibited Samba shone straightaway in his flashy white boots, executing a couple of clever dummies to show that he has a future. Coventry have sold 20,000 tickets for the England v Germany European Championship U-21 play-off at the Ricoh Stadium on Friday.