Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Senegal’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Khady Diène Gaye, has formally invited The Gambia to use Senegalese sports infrastructure to host its international matches, in a move aimed at deepening sporting cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

The announcement was made on Friday in Banjul during the opening ceremony of the 8th Congress of the International Association of African Sports Press (AIPS/Africa).

Addressing sports journalists from across the continent, the Senegalese minister reaffirmed Dakar’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with The Gambia through sports.

Ms. Gaye noted that The Gambia, which has been playing its international fixtures in Morocco for several years due to the absence of CAF- and FIFA-approved stadiums at home, could opt to host its matches in Senegal.

She said several Senegalese facilities that meet international standards are available for this purpose, including the President Me. Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio and the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.

She justified the offer by pointing to what she described as the “strong and long-standing” historical and fraternal relations between Senegal and The Gambia, adding that sports cooperation should reflect the close bonds between the two countries.

The proposal was warmly received by Gambian officials present at the ceremony, including The Gambia’s Minister of Sports and the Vice President of the Republic, signaling official interest in the initiative.

In the same address, the Senegalese minister also announced that the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, won by Senegal, will pay an upcoming visit to Banjul, a gesture seen as symbolic of regional solidarity and shared sporting pride.

The AIPS/Africa Congress, chaired by Senegalese journalist Abdoulaye Thiam, has brought together key actors in African sports journalism to deliberate on the evolving challenges facing sport and media across the continent.