Gambia gears up for crucial CHAN showdown with Algeria

The Gambia’s local national team wrapped up their second week of training on Friday as they gear up to face Algeria in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying playoffs. The Local Scorpions, headed by Alagie Sarr, are currently camped in the capital, Banjul, after CAF granted the Independence Stadium temporary approval to host the match against Algeria.

Sarr acknowledged that the players are getting fit for the crucial tie against the North Africans. “We had our breaks, but now we’ve returned to training. I think the preparation is going well. The players are coping with us. We are working very hard so that we can get the best result we want on Saturday (3rd of May).”

Sarr has called up 27 players for the crucial match, including four who missed the win over Gabon. The head coach predicted that the Algerians would start strong and he is preparing his players accordingly:

“I have a bit of experience from coaching clubs that traveled to North Africa. We know that in the first ten minutes, they will try to score. They will be looking for a goal. In the last ten minutes of the half, they will also try to get one. We know all these things. But for us, our game plan is to make sure we win at home.”

Gambia has never qualified for the CHAN since the tournament for home-based players began in 2009.