By John Mendy
Gambia Ports Authority goalkeeper Christopher Allen has confirmed his retirement from football, and is now looking ahead to a possible goalkeeping coaching program.
The 27-year-old keeper won 21 caps that spanned over 10 years of his career. Allen was among the privilege few who played a part in the legendary 2005 Under-17 winning team (mainly used as a back-up keeper to Abdoulie Njie) which made an historic appearance in the FIFA U17 World Cup in Peru, where the Gambia caused the biggest upset after beating Brazil 3-1.
The outstanding servant of the Gambia has donned the national jersey with pride for all the categories of Gambian football.
Announcing his decision to West Coast Radio’s Sports Report programme, the 2016 domestic league winner with Ports Authority said: “I feel time has come for me to step aside, and allow younger players to come through.
“I have had my time, given a lot to my country and club, which has also given me a lot too. It was an honour playing for my country.”
Christopher Allen was handed his international debut against Morocco in a 2014 World Cup Qualifier in June 2, 2012 under Coach Luciano Mancini.
.“I am incredibly grateful to have spent 10 years playing for both my country and club,” Allen said. “I am walking away from my playing career proud of the time I spent in the national league and how far it has come.”
Allen has now set his sight on goalkeeping coaching with the sole aim of improving the goalkeeping department of Gambia national teams.
“I have decided to go into goalkeeper coaching because I think with my experience; I can help the younger goalkeepers.”
