The Gambia’s hopes of advancing to the Africa Cup of Nations for the very first time are greater today than ever before. Sitting at the top of Group D where the top two are guaranteed a place in Cameroon next year, the feeling in the street corners and vous is that it is now or never. The Gambia were handed a huge boost by overcoming Gabon last time out and a win here today in this clash with Angola may be enough to confirm a spot.
Angola are already out of the running having failed to win any of their four matches so far; so they only have pride at stake but that is unlikely to be enough to prevent Gambia, who have lost just one of their last seven matches, from earning the win that could secure their qualification.
Coach Tom Santfiet has not said much since he selected his 25-man squad for the final two matches beginning today against Angola and finishing in Kinshasa on Wednesday against Congo. But he and his players have been told by fans that this one assignment they cannot afford to bungle.
”This is a definitive moment in our football; a golden opportunity that must never be thrown away. We must win Angola tonight if we are ever going to be taken as serious contenders in this campaign. A win will give us 10 points and if Gabon draws Congo on the same night, we will be home and dry with just a draw in Kinshaha.”
This evening’s match kicks –off at 4 PM
