As we bow out of our maiden AFCON Finals tournament, I wish to extend much thanks and congratulations to the gallant scorpions for raising the national flag to a level it has never reached before. Thus our exit from the tournament at this stage is worthy of celebrations, especially after a well fought match which by every indication was not expected to be an easy one for us. Despite this, our performance was yet an impressive one.

To the coach and the technical staff, I say congratulations for being part of history and thank you for a job well done. 

For my colleagues at the GFF, Executive Committee members and staff, it has been a long and often rough journey but with a sense of direction, unity of purpose, resilience and commitment to the cause, we can all raise our heads high up for breaking history. 

My appreciations go to His Excellency President Adama Barrow and his government through the Honorable Minister, Bakary Badjie for the unprecedented financial and morale support as well as the political will which have immensely contributed to the success our motherland is celebrating today. 

To the general football stakeholders, fans and members of the media, I say thank you for being always there for the game. Your often critical and objective criticisms, guidance and advices only make us do the job better. 

As we celebrate our achievement, we shall ever be appreciative of the immense efforts of the legends and veterans, both living and late, who built the foundation on which the current success is erected. You shall ever be celebrated.

Finally, I wish express deepest gratitude and appreciation to the entire Gambian population both home and abroad for the unprecedented show of support, solidarity and prayers before, during the tournament and beyond. You were a great source of inspiration and courage throughout.

Please be assured that we will not relent in our efforts not to only maintain the momentum by appearing in subsequent continental tournaments but similar global events.

The work begins today.

La Lutta Continua!!!!