Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Gambia’s national team captain, Musa Barrow, has raised fresh concerns over the dilapidated state of the Independence Stadium, underscoring the urgent need for authorities to act if the country’s football ambitions are to be realized.
Barrow lamented the fact that the Scorpions, despite their rising profile in African football, are still unable to host competitive matches at home.
“We’re not playing from home, and it’s affecting us a lot. Not having a home ground in these AFCON and World Cup qualifiers hurt us. When we play at home, we have a better chance to win and qualify,” Barrow said, echoing the frustration of many Gambians.
The Independence Stadium, once a national pride, remains unfinished and below CAF and FIFA standards, forcing The Gambia to host its “home” matches in countries such as Morocco and Kenya.
Sports analysts all agree to say this deprives the team of the vital “home advantage” that fuels morale, boosts performance, and rallies national unity, while also draining resources on travel, accommodation, and logistics.
Sports veteran and former GNOC Secretary General, Ambassador Abdoulie M. Touray (Baks), has joined calls for a national response, warning that the absence of a CAF- and FIFA-compliant stadium is undermining the country’s football progress.
He urged the government, The Gambia Football Federation (GFF), private sector, Gambian diaspora, and development partners to form a high-level task force to fast-track stadium completion, mobilize funding through public-private partnerships, and secure CAF and FIFA support.
Beyond renovating the stadium, Touray stressed that sustainable football growth requires investment in grassroots sports, school competitions, football academies, and high-performance training facilities.
He also proposed a National Sports Development Fund, financed through a mix of public allocations, sponsorships, diaspora bonds, and sports infrastructure securities.
The debate around the stadium has grown louder as the Scorpions continue their AFCON and World Cup qualifying campaigns away from home. For Barrow and his teammates, the absence of a home ground is not just a logistical setback but a psychological blow.
“Musa Barrow’s call is more than a complaint; it’s a wake-up call,” Touray said. “Sports are not just entertainment; they are a catalyst for unity, youth empowerment, economic growth, and global recognition. Acting now to complete the Independence Stadium is a national imperative.”
As Gambia’s footballing stars shine brighter on the international stage, their biggest battle may well be off the pitch, fighting for a home worthy of their talent and the passion of their fans.
