Gambia confirms friendly against AFCON champions Senegal

Gambia Football Federation (GFF) have confirmed their national team the Scorpions will take on Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Senegal in a friendly during the next FIFA international break.

A statement from Gambia FA read in part;

“The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) is delighted to announce that the Scorpions of the Gambia will engage the Teranga Lions of Senegal in a high-profile international friendly match.

This historic encounter is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 31st March 2026, at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadou, Senegal. The match falls within the designated FIFA International Match Window, ensuring both nations can field their strongest squads.

The GFF accepted an invitation from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), which approached us to facilitate this fixture.

This match represents more than just a footballing contest; it is a celebration of the deep-rooted Senegambia brotherhood and serves to further consolidate the cordial cooperation between our two football governing bodies and nations.

For our neighbors, the match offers a prestigious platform for the Senegalese National Team to present their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy, won in Morocco 2025, to their home supporters.

Senegal will play first game after AFCON

For the Scorpions, this friendly provides an invaluable opportunity to test our strength against one of the continent’s elite teams in our own journey to qualify for our third AFCON in 2027.

“The GFF and the FSF are working closely to ensure a memorable event for fans from both sides of the border. We invite all Gambians and friends of football to join us in celebrating this special occasion of unity and sporting excellence.”

This will be Senegal’s first competitive game since they won the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final played in Rabat.

🇬🇲🇸🇳 Gambia to Face AFCON Champions Senegal in Historic Friendly

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The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has officially confirmed that the Scorpions of Gambia will take on reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, the Senegal national football team, in a high-profile international friendly during the next FIFA international break.

According to a statement released by the GFF, the much-anticipated encounter is scheduled for Tuesday, 31st March 2026, at the magnificent Abdoulaye Wade Stadium. The fixture falls within the designated FIFA International Match Window, ensuring both teams can assemble their strongest possible squads for what promises to be a thrilling regional showdown.

A Celebration of Senegambian Brotherhood

In its statement, the GFF described the fixture as more than just a football match. The friendly symbolizes the enduring cultural and historical bond between the neighboring nations of The Gambia and Senegal — often referred to collectively as “Senegambia” due to their intertwined heritage.

“The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) is delighted to announce that the Scorpions of The Gambia will engage the Teranga Lions of Senegal in a high-profile international friendly match,” part of the statement read.

The GFF revealed that it accepted an invitation from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), which initiated discussions to organize the fixture. Both federations are reportedly working closely to ensure the match becomes a memorable event for supporters from both sides of the border.

The encounter is expected to attract thousands of fans to Diamniadio, creating a vibrant atmosphere that highlights unity, sportsmanship, and regional pride.

Senegal’s First Match After AFCON Glory

The friendly will carry added significance for Senegal, as it will mark their first outing since lifting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco. The Teranga Lions secured their second continental crown after defeating the host nation, Morocco national football team, 1-0 in the final held in Rabat.

The tournament itself, officially known as the Africa Cup of Nations, saw Senegal showcase their strength, tactical discipline, and squad depth. Their triumph reaffirmed their status as one of Africa’s elite footballing nations.

For Senegalese fans, the friendly offers a prestigious platform to celebrate their heroes and witness the AFCON trophy presented once again on home soil. The match will serve both as a celebration and as preparation for future international competitions.

A Crucial Test for the Scorpions

For The Gambia, the fixture presents a vital opportunity to measure their progress against one of the continent’s powerhouses. The Scorpions have shown steady development in recent years and are aiming to qualify for their third AFCON tournament in 2027.

Facing Senegal will provide invaluable experience for the Gambian squad, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate tactical strategies, squad depth, and individual performances against top-level opposition.

Such high-caliber friendlies are crucial for building confidence and cohesion ahead of competitive qualifiers. The match will also allow younger players to test themselves against established stars from Senegal, many of whom compete at Europe’s highest levels.