Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has named a 35 man preliminary squad ahead of the September Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia and Ghana.

The Scorpions will host Somalia on 25th September at home before travelling to face Ghana in the return fixture.

One notable absentee from the preliminary squad is Yankuba Minteh, who is ruled out through injury and will miss the upcoming qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Nfansu Njie has been included in the preliminary squad, bringing the young forward closer to making his maiden appearance for the senior national team.

Nfansu Njie’s inclusion provides another opportunity for the youngster to make the step up to the senior Scorpions as The Gambia prepares for two crucial AFCON qualifying matches.

For Minteh, his absence will be a blow to the Scorpions, with the talented forward having established himself as an important attacking option for the national team.

By Ebrima KB Sonko