Banjul, The Gambia: 30th October 2025 - The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce the conclusion of the Scorpions' 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, marked by a commendable display of talent and resilience on the pitch, despite significant financial and logistical challenges.
The recent FIFA windows in September and October saw the national team compete in four crucial matches, securing three impressive victories and suffering a lone defeat against Gabon.
During this period, Coach Johnathan McKinstry's charges netted 15 goals while conceding only five. Overall, The Gambia's campaign encompassed 10 matches, yielding four wins and one draw. Notably, the Scorpions distinguished themselves as the highest-scoring African team in the qualifiers, with a remarkable tally of 27 goals.
Such extensive participation in international competitions naturally carries significant financial demands on the country. The GFF has been proactive in seeking support and managing these costs.
In the September window, a budget of GMD 29,603,475.00 was submitted. The Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS), provided GMD 10,000,000.00, representing 34%, leaving a substantial shortfall of GMD 19,603,475.00, which amounts to 66%.
Whereas in October, an amount of GMD 17,973,814.00 was actually spent after we lost one of the two matches. The MOYS again contributed GMD 10,000,000.00.
Additionally, the GFF proactively arranged GMD 12,391,395.00 for essential air tickets for players and officials, utilising bank financing to bridge the immediate funding gap.
This brought the total actual cost for the October window to GMD 30,365,209.00. Consequently, the remaining financial responsibility fell on the GFF, amounting to GMD 20,365,209.00.
To provide transparency, for the October window's total cost of GMD 30,365,209.00, the Ministry's contribution represented approximately 33%, while the GFF was responsible for sourcing the remaining 67% through its own funds (FIFA Forward operational and development costs) and significant bank financing.
These considerable financial commitments have unfortunately necessitated the GFF to curtail some of its planned programs, including support to members, redirection of project funds, and cutting down the size of national team delegations.
Furthermore, the players are currently owed outstanding win bonuses totalling GMD 13,609,125.00, accumulated from three victories, which the GFF is actively working to settle.
The GFF underscores the critical importance of national teams participating in FIFA-mandated matches, not only to avoid potential FIFA sanctions, including financial restrictions and suspensions, but also for the invaluable development of Gambian football.
This campaign saw a remarkable 25 new professional players make their senior national team debuts under Coach McKinstry, a testament to the positive impact of this international exposure on nurturing Gambian talent.
The GFF extends its deepest gratitude to the Government of the Gambia for its continued support and collaboration, the Ministry of Youth and Sports for its contributions, and, most importantly, to our passionate fans and dedicated stakeholders for their unwavering encouragement and understanding during these financially demanding times.
While the building of a more complete and competitive team is an ongoing process, the GFF remains committed to nurturing Gambian talent and striving for excellence on the international stage
133 Likes
The President Barrow-sponsored Ramadan Football Championship came to an end on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Serrekunda West Mini Stadium. The final match featured an exciting showdown between Star Boys F.C. and Babun Fatty.After the match ended in a goalless draw, Star Boys F.C. triumphed in the penalty shootout, earning a cash prize of D75,000. Babun Fatty, as the runner-up, received D50,000, while the Tigers of Kotu secured third place and were awarded D15,000. President Barrow attended the final, underscoring the significance of youth empowerment through sports. The tournament showcased 40 participating teams and highlighted the government's commitment to grassroots development and community engagement.The colourful final attracted a large audience of football enthusiasts and high-ranking government officials.
The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) has secured a $50,000 (approximately 3.6 million dalasi) grant from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) to renovate the Olympic House.This significant funding injection is part of the NOC's strategic plan to upgrade the facility, boost capacity, and give it a fresh new look.The renovation project is set to commence soon, following the signing of a contract with MJ20 Construction and Civil Engineering Company Ltd. The revamped Olympic House is expected to enhance Gambia's sports profile, showcasing the country's commitment to sports development.
The Gambia's beach volleyball duo, Abdallah Bah and Omar Bojang, fell short of the gold medal at the U18 African Youth Games in Angola, losing 2-0 (22-20, 21-14) to Sierra Leone in the final. Despite being unbeaten prior to the final, the Gambian team faced a tough challenge from their Sierra Leonean opponents, who proved too strong in the end.
The Gambian beach volleyball duo of Abdalllah Bah and Ndoti Dampha have made history by reaching the final of the 2025 African Youth Games Beach Volleyball Championship in Angola. The pair defeated Kenya 2-1 to book their spot in the championship match, where they will face Sierra Leone.Under the expert guidance of coach Amadou Jarju, the team has been in scintillating form throughout the U18 competition, outplaying their opponents with ease. This latest victory has set the stage for a thrilling final, with Bah and Dampha looking to add another gold medal to Gambia’s impressive collection.The Gambian team's recent dominance in beach volleyball has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2025 alone, they have won several international medals, including silver at the African School Games in Algeria and gold medals in Nigeria and Banjul. They have also had a stellar performance in the U18 Doha World Championship Beach Volleyball competition, where they defeated the USA 2-1 in their opening pool match.With their sights set on the final, coach Amadou Jarju and his team will be confident of bringing home the gold medal and continuing their winning streak. Abdalllah Bah (2), who now represents the Gambia in five international competitions in including Algeria, Nigeria, Banjul and Doha, is pairing with Ndoti Dampha (1) for the first time. This is Ndoti's first international beach volleyball competition.
In what was a nail-biting encounter, Berewuleng F.C. staged a stunning comeback to defeat the highly experienced Red Scorpions 2-1 in the Gambia Football Federation's Women's Super Cup. Red Scorpions had set their sights on spoiling Berewuleng's party, taking an early lead through Vilma Nhaga Badjeta's clinical finish. The Scorpions were buoyant, hoping to cap off Berewuleng's recent dominance in Gambian women's football.Berewuleng's starting XI against Red Scorpions. However, the reigning league and FF Cup champions, Berewuleng F.C., were not about to let their title reign end without a fight. Midway through the game, Mafanta Drammeh equalised for the Brikama-based team, sparking a frenzy of excitement among their fans. The momentum had shifted, and Berewuleng were back in the game.Red Scorpion’s starting XI against Berewuleng In the 84th minute, Kaddijatou Drammeh sealed the win for Berewuleng with a dramatic winner, sending the Brikama-based team into jubilation. Berewuleng F.C., who were crowned champions of the Gambia Football Federation's Women's League and FF Cups, now added a Super Cup to make it a hat-trick of trophies. The victorious Berewuleng F.C. team were handed a giant trophy, gold medals, and a cheque for 75,000 Dalasis, while the runners-up Red Scorpions received 50,000 Dalasis and silver medals.
The Gambia's duo Abdalllah Bah and Ndoti Dampha registered another win to reach the quarter finals of the 2025 African Youth Games beach volleyball competition in Angola. They defeated Tunisia 2 -0 (21-19, 23-21) in the Round of Sixteen. The Gambia will now take on Sao Tome and Principe on Saturday 13 December.
Abdalllah Bah and Ndoti Dampha, The Gambia's promising U18 beach volleyball duo, have made waves at the 2025 African Youth Games in Angola with their impressive wins. They secured their spot in the round of 16 by defeating Kenya 2-0, with scores of 21-19 and 21-19. This victory marks a continuation of their strong performance, following their 2-0 win against Mauritius in their previous match.The Gambian team's success in the tournament showcases the country's growing talent in beach volleyball. With young athletes like Bah and Dampha leading the charge, The Gambia is poised to make a lasting impact in African beach volleyball.
Minister of Youth and Sport, Bakary Y. Badjie, has handed over the Gambia National Flag to Team Gambia, marking a significant milestone as the country prepares to participate in the ANOCA African Youth Games in Angola. The ceremony, held at the Olympic House, was attended by officials from the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) and other stakeholders.Minister Badjie reiterated his Ministry's commitment to supporting the development of sports in The Gambia, urging the athletes to be good ambassadors of the country and bring home medals. He expressed pride in the phenomenal successes achieved in Gambian sports, attributing it to the willingness of athletes and the commitment of the NOC.GNOC President, Bai Dodou Jallow, highlighted the readiness of the athletes, citing the efforts and support made by the committee to prepare them for the event. The team will depart for Angola in two phases, with the first delegation travelling on Sunday and the rest on Monday.The ANOCA African Youth Games will take place from December 10 to December 20, providing a platform for young Gambian athletes to showcase their talents and compete against their peers from across the continent.
The Gambia's boys and girls who narrowly missed out in the chase for a gold medal, have settled for bronze medals in both categories of the WAFU A U-15 African School Football Championship.The boys defeated Mauritania 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw, while the girls finished third in the standings to settle for bronze.Both teams were handed bronze medals and will each receive 50,000 US dollars worth of support for school sports and talent development from the Confederation of African Football.
The Gambia's boys and girls who narrowly missed out in the chase for a gold medal, have settled for bronze medals in both categories of the WAFU A U-15 African School Football Championship.The boys defeated Mauritania 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw, while the girls finished third in the standings to settle for bronze.Both teams were handed bronze medals and will each receive 50,000 US dollars worth of support for school sports and talent development from the Confederation of African Football.
Leave A Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *