Coach Tom Saintfiet has described The Gambia as the best country he has ever coached following his shock resignation.

Saintfiet resigned last night from his post after Gambia was knocked out of the African Cup of Nations.

The Scorpions were eliminated in the tournament after losing 3-2 to Cameroon. They lost all three of their group games.  

Following the poor display of Gambia at the AFCON, the Belgian tactician was under pressure from pundits and fans alike. 

Despite the criticism, his resignation came as a shock as many have expected him to stay on as coach. 

“I still have a contract till August 2026 but I’ve stepped down as national team coach of the Gambia. I will still be a  Gambian.  I love the Gambia and I will always be grateful to Gambia,” he said. 

Sainfiet made history last year when he led Gambia to their first AFCON tournament in Cameroon. 

The debutante had an impressive tournament beating Tunisia and Guinea in the group stages and making it up to the quarterfinals. 

He room them again to this year’s AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast. 

His defensive style of play was criticised by many fans who believed he was limiting the opportunities for the team to win.

Sainfiet found the criticism offensive and blamed Gambian journalists for influencing others to criticise him.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba