Baboucarr Camara, GFF Communications Director
By Seedy Jobe
The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has cautiously welcomed Senegal’s offer to host The Gambia’s international matches while reaffirming that its primary priority remains preparing the Gambia’s Independence Stadium for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers scheduled to begin in September.
On Friday, February 6, 2026, Senegal’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Khady Diène Gaye, formally invited The Gambia to use Senegalese sporting facilities during the opening ceremony of the International Association of African Sports Press (AIPS/Africa). The gesture was presented as part of broader efforts to strengthen sporting cooperation between the two countries.
Reacting to the development in an interview with Kerr Fatou, GFF Communications Director Baboucarr Camara confirmed that the federation is aware of the minister’s offer but expressed hope that it will not be required.
“I hope we do not have to get to that again, because we have strong indications from our own Minister of Youth and Sports, Honourable Bakary Badjie, that by the time AFCON qualifiers resume in September, our stadium will be ready to host international matches,” Mr. Camara said.
He explained that The Gambia’s fixtures in March and June consist only of international friendlies, with competitive qualifiers scheduled for September, October, and November.
Mr. Camara also reflected on previous attempts to secure Senegalese venues, noting that such options had been explored multiple times in the past without success.
“If the option of playing our matches in Senegal was available during all this period we’ve been playing away, why do we have to travel all the way to Morocco?” he questioned.
He recalled efforts in 2022, including direct appeals from former President Adama Barrow to then Senegalese President Macky Sall, which failed to yield timely approvals. In several instances, responses were reportedly redirected to a management company, highlighting limitations in direct government intervention.
“If the minister comes today and says they will finally open their doors for us, it is welcome news,” Mr. Camara acknowledged. However, he emphasized the prevailing sentiment within the federation and among supporters.
“We hope it doesn’t come to that. Gambian fans are eager to watch their team play at the Independence Stadium again. It has been a very long time.”
The Scorpions last played an AFCON qualifier in Banjul in March 2021, against Angola. With the September qualifiers approaching, Mr. Camara stressed that all efforts should now be concentrated on restoring home fixtures.
“Every focus and all energy should be directed towards playing our resumption of the African qualification qualifiers at the Independence Stadium,” he said.
Asked about potential next steps should Senegal’s offer become necessary, Mr. Camara clarified that any formal arrangement would be handled at the government-to-government level, noting that the GFF does not own the Independence Stadium.
“We will only get to that if the Independence Stadium is not ready,” he concluded, reiterating the federation’s firm commitment to returning international football to Gambian soil.
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