The Gambia government has handed over a massive D13 million to the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) to bankroll the Scorpions’ push for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The cash, disbursed through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, will help fund preparations, logistics and participation in The Gambia’s crucial AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Scorpions face Somalia and Ghana in Group C, while African heavyweights Ivory Coast complete the group.

The qualifiers are scheduled to run from September 2026 to March 2027, with the successful nations booking places at the tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The AFCON finals are scheduled for June 19 to July 17, 2027.

The D13 million injection comes as the Scorpions prepare for a demanding qualifying campaign and underlines the government’s financial backing for the national side.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports said the support demonstrates the government’s commitment to football and the development of sport despite competing national priorities.

Youth and Sports Minister has urged the players and technical staff to remain disciplined, focused and patriotic as they carry the country’s hopes into the qualifiers.

The ministry has also appealed to Gambians, businesses and the diaspora to get behind the Scorpions as they pursue qualification for another AFCON finals.

By Adama Makasuba