Gambian football fans were seen looking sad and deflated as they streamed through the streets of Bakau after the Scorpions were defeated 1-0 by Angola in their opening World Cup qualifier at home on Friday.
Wilson Gaspar scored the only goal of the game in the 31st minute.
“The performance of the Scorpions was very bad and disappointing, says Ebrima Jabang a fan. ‘’We did not feel there was a coach or a tactic to play.
Another fan, Sarjo Daffeh, explained “We are sad of course, especially since me and my friends came from distant towns such as Lamin and Brikama and we are returning with sadness.”
The Scorpions could have taken the lead a few minutes into the game, but what appeared to be a penalty for the hosts was ruled out by the referee after the pacy Assan Ceesay was brought down.
Despite conceding before the interval, fans, many whom were dressed in their Gambian jerseys, were hopeful for a possible win, but this was never to be. ‘’Worst coaching tactics I’ve ever seen,” said Assan Njie another fan. ‘’No game plan, the team had no sense of direction because of the poor defensive tactics the coach affected,” he told The Chronicle.
In his post-match press conference, Gambian coach Tom Saintfeit defended his tactics and applauded his players for sticking to his game plan. ‘’We are very disappointed, but I can’t blame my players. ‘I am very proud of my players,” he said.
Tom’s charges have landed in Angola for the return leg of the double header scheduled for Tuesday 10th September in Luanda. The team and delegation left Banjul on Saturday September 7th via Casablanca.
