Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia marked its long-awaited return to the Independence Stadium in Bakau with a 2–1 victory over Somalia on Friday, giving the Scorpions a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in front of home supporters.
The match was the national team’s first at the newly renovated stadium in more than five years. The Scorpions last played at the venue in March 2021, while their last match in front of home supporters was in November 2019.
In a thrilling match, Ebrima Colley scored the opening goal for Gambia with a penalty in the 18th minute. Despite dominating possession, Gambia couldn’t extend their lead.
Somalia equalized in the 72nd minute with a goal from Bilai Njie Cali.
However, Gambia regained the lead with a header by substitute Muhammed Badamosi from Sulayman Camara’s cross in the 83rd minute, securing a 2-1 victory for the Scorpions.
The Gambia’s return to home football proved to be a successful start, and the crowded Independence Stadium erupted into wild celebration.
The return gave the occasion added significance, with President Adama Barrow among supporters in the pavilion as the Scorpions secured the three points.
President Adama Barrow greeting the Scorpions before the match kickoff
Barrow Welcomes Football’s Homecoming
Following the match, President Barrow described the return to the renovated stadium as a moment of “joy and renewed hope,” saying the occasion demonstrated what Gambian players can achieve when provided with the right opportunities and environment.
“Watching our senior national team, the Scorpions, take on Somalia at the newly renovated Independence Stadium filled me with joy and renewed hope,” Barrow said in a statement issued by State House.
He congratulated the players, the Gambia Football Federation, the technical staff, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and supporters who turned out for the match.
“To all Gambians who came out in your numbers to support our own: thank you. This is what national pride looks like,” he said.
The President also highlighted a strong week for Gambian football, following the Baby Scorpions’ dramatic 5–4 victory over Senegal.
Three Points Ahead of Ghana Test
The victory puts The Gambia on three points after the opening round of Group C matches and gives the Scorpions momentum ahead of their next assignment against Ghana in Accra on Tuesday, September 29.
Ghana began their campaign with a 2–0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, leaving the Black Stars under pressure to respond when they host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Scorpions, meanwhile, will travel to Ghana, having secured maximum points from their opening fixture.
Under the qualification format, each team will play six group matches. In groups without a co-host, the top two teams will qualify for the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
For The Gambia, however, Friday’s victory represented more than the opening three points of another qualification campaign. It marked the end of a prolonged wait for the national team to once again compete at home, with the renovated Independence Stadium providing the backdrop for the Scorpions’ winning return.
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