Gambian international midfielder Mbassy Darboe, known for her attacking prowess, has not been selected for the Gambia Women’s National Team’s upcoming double-legged Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger in February.

In an interview with Gambiana Sportseditor, Ebrima KB Sonko, Mbassy expressed her dismay regarding her absence from the squad, especially since two of her international teammates, Ruggy Joof and Catherine Jatta, received invitations.

“I am not invited and I don’t know why. I have no idea why I am not invited. I am not injured and I am playing in game in game out,” Mbassy revealed.  

Mbassy Darboe’s exclusion from the Queen’s Scorpions squad to face Niger in Niamey has raised eyebrows among dedicated women’s football fans and followers. Currently playing for Determine Girls FC in Liberia, Mbassy—affectionately nicknamed “Messi” for her exceptional dribbling skills—has scored 7 goals and provided 10 assists this season. Last season, she remarkably netted 23 goals and registered 46 assists in just 23 matches in the Liberian Women’s top-tier league.

Coach Mariama Bom Sowe, who is currently the interim coach of the Women’s National Team, has assembled a squad of 25 locally based players who have begun training at the National Technical Training Centre in Yundum. Bom has invited the Women’s Internationals to join her squad ahead of the crunch encounter against Niger at Niamey.

By Ebrima KB Sonko