Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports and Chairperson of the AFCON National Coordinating Committee, paid a visit to Gambian fans on Tuesday in their various hotels in Yamoussoukro. Badjie visited the Gambian fans together with Mr. Lamin Kabba Bajo, President of the Gambia Football Federation and Vice Chair of the NCC, as well as Permanent Secretaries and Committee members.

Minister Badjie expressed gratitude for learning that all the delegates are satisfied with their hotel accommodations and food services. He used the opportunity to express his gratitude for their efforts and support for the AFCON campaign.

Minister Badjie praised the sponsors and supporters of Gambia’s AFCON, stating that losing the first game doesn’t determine their status in the tournament. He urged the group to be patient and respectful of Côte d’Ivoire’s culture and laws, particularly stadium regulations.

The President of the Gambia Football Federation, Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo, urged the delegations not to be discouraged by yesterday’s outcomes and praised them for their perseverance and commitment to supporting the Scorpions and the Gambia overall.

He praised the commercial sectors for their excellent support, as well as the government for its ongoing assistance to the team.

The logistics committee’s chairman, Pap Yusupha Njie, commended the delegations for their dedication and understanding of one another, which is a sign of respect and support for the team. He also asked them to continue to act as a cohesive unit.

Speaking on behalf of their residence at various hotels were Momodou Lamin Sanyang, a member of the Scorpions Fans Club; Lamin Tambedou, a representative of Trust Bank; and Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay of the National Assembly.

They all thanked the government for its tremendous support and described the cooperation and understanding among the delegations, as well as the assistance the NCC provided to them upon their arrival.

The Minister and NCC members visited the Eden Havre Hotel, the Hotel Etoile Dustade, and the Cite Augustine Hotel during their tour.