Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has named a 35-man preliminary squad for the Scorpions’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixtures, with star winger Yankuba Minteh ruled out because of injury.
Minteh’s absence is a major blow for the Scorpions as they prepare for a crucial double-header against Somalia and Ghana during the September international break.
The Gambia will begin their qualifying campaign at home against Somalia on Friday, September 25, at the newly renovated Independence Stadium in Banjul. The match will be the national team’s first competitive home fixture in front of Gambian supporters since 2021.
Four days later, McKinstry’s side will travel to Accra to take on Ghana at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29.
Minteh absence a setback
Minteh, one of The Gambia’s most prominent attacking players, has been left out of the preliminary squad as he continues to recover from an injury.
His absence leaves McKinstry without one of his key options on the wing for the opening qualifiers, although the coach has recalled several experienced players to strengthen the squad.
Ibou Touray, Saidou Khan, Alassana Jatta and Mohamed Badamosi return to the national team setup.
Captain Omar Colley, Al-Diriyah forward Musa Barrow and Portsmouth midfielder Ebou Adams are among the experienced players expected to provide leadership during the qualifiers.
Two players earn maiden call-ups
The squad also includes two players receiving their first senior international call-ups.
Stockport County defender Mamadou Jobe and ETO FC forward Nfansu Njie have been handed maiden selections as McKinstry continues to assess his options ahead of the campaign.
The 35-man list gives the coach a broad pool from which to select the final squad for the two matches.
Camp begins September 21
The preliminary squad is expected to report to camp in Banjul on Monday, September 21, four days before the Somalia match.
McKinstry will use the opening training sessions to assess the players’ fitness and readiness before reducing the group to the final squad for the double-header.
With Minteh unavailable, the coach will face an early selection challenge as The Gambia seek a strong start to their bid for qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
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