The aircraft flying Gambia’s national football team to the Africa Cup of Nations was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff from Banjul on Thursday.
According to a statement from the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), the plane lost cabin pressure and oxygen just minutes into the flight bound for Ivory Coast. The loss of oxygen triggered an immediate return to Banjul airport.
Upon landing, the problems were confirmed, said the GFF. All players and staff aboard were reported safe and unharmed.
The plane malfunction put a sudden halt to Gambia’s departure for the AFCON tournament starting this weekend. Following the emergency, the team held a training session at Independence Stadium while awaiting a replacement aircraft.
Gambia, nicknamed the Scorpions, are one of 24 teams competing in the biennial African championship. Their first match is against Mauritania on Wednesday.
The nerve-wracking incident could have ended in disaster had the crew not acted swiftly to descend and divert back to Banjul. Gambia’s dreams of AFCON glory remain intact, but only thanks to the skill and composure of their pilots.
After the alarming start, the Scorpions hope to safely take flight again soon as they aim for success on the AFCON stage in Ivory Coast.
Gambia manager Tom Saintfiet, speaking to Belgian outlet Gazet van Antwerpen on Thursday morning, said that while he managed to get a few hours of sleep, many of his players were still in a state of shock. Some experienced dizziness and headaches.
Nevertheless, the team had no choice but to continue training. Saintfiet acknowledged the mental toll on the players, stating, “The group is very mentally affected. I told my players, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ But I don’t know if they will be able to pick up the thread immediately. This takes time. Physically and mentally, many of my players are not ready to train, let alone play a match.”
Drawn into Group C of AFCON 2023, Gambia will face tough opponents including Cameroon, Guinea, and reigning champions Senegal.
Their opening match in the tournament is scheduled against Senegal on Monday.
As stated in the GFF’s Wednesday night statement, the team, including players and staff, is on their way to the Ocean Bay Hotel, where they will await further instructions.
