The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has denied reports circulating on social media that seven Gambian players tested positive for Covid.

The GFF said the reports are “fake and malicious” and that the whole team is available for Saturday’s quarterfinal match against host nation Cameroon.

“The news that seven of our players and four managers testing positive and currently in isolation are fake, malicious and bogus claims that are meant to distract our preparations and create panic ahead of the most important match in Gambian football history. 

“Please disregard the fake news and remain positive as except Yusupha Njie, who is suspended for the Saturday match because of the red card he received in our last 16 win over Guinea, the remaining 26 players are all available to Tom Saintfiet for selection against the hosts.

“We had another training session this evening at the Jopama Stadium and as we post this, all 27 players and officials are currently seated at the restaurant of the Best Western Plus Hotel to have their dinner. We remained healthy, positive and in good spirits to go as far as we can in their debut campaign in the biannual competition,” GFF said in a statement.