By Adama Makasuba
Gambia’s football fans are deepening their disappointment over the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to prohibit the Independent Stadium in Banjul from hosting international matches due to its deteriorating condition.
The stadium last accommodated international fixtures in 2021, which has compelled the national team to play their home matches in neighboring countries. Local figures, such as Ousman Janneh, have criticized the stadium’s decline, attributing it to neglect and mismanagement. Some even suggest that a complete reconstruction may be necessary.
Referee Pa Badou has voiced frustration over the ban’s implications for the national team and local support, particularly following the recent cancellation of a home match against Comoros. This situation starkly contrasts other nations, like Mauritania, which have invested significantly in their football infrastructure.
