Gambia head coach Johnny McKinstry has named a preliminary 35-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia and Ghana.
The Scorpions will begin their qualifying campaign against Somalia before travelling to Accra to face the Black Stars, with the Ghana clash set to provide a stern test for McKinstry’s side.
The preliminary squad features several experienced names, including Omar Colley, Musa Barrow and Alieu Fadera, as Gambia look to put together a strong qualifying campaign.
One notable absentee is Yankuba Minteh, who has been ruled out after suffering a leg injury during pre-season. His absence will deprive McKinstry of one of his team’s key attacking options.
The squad also includes 21-year-old Nfansu Njie, who has received his first senior call-up as Gambia continue to blend emerging talent with established internationals.
The qualifiers will also carry added significance for the Scorpions because their meeting with Somalia marks their return to the Independence Stadium in Bakau after a lengthy absence. McKinstry says there is considerable excitement within the squad about finally playing in front of Gambian supporters again.
McKinstry now faces the task of reducing the 35-man preliminary list to his final squad before the team assembles.
Gambia will be hoping to secure maximum points from the two fixtures as they pursue qualification for the 2027 AFCON, while Ghana will be equally determined to make their home fixture count when the two West African sides meet in Accra.
The Scorpions’ preliminary squad therefore sets the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive qualifying battle between two familiar West African rivals.
