Disappointed Gambia players boycotted last day training before moving to Ivory Coast for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations slated to kickoff January 13, 2024.
What was supposed to be a farewell training to the fans turned chaotic at the Banjul Sports Stadium. Thousands of fan troop to the stadium to cheer up with the players but their expectations could not materialize.
The players refused to train due to unpaid 2023 Afcon qualifiers bonuses promised by the government which each player expected to receive 15,000 dollars as bonuses.
After several demands, the players chose the final day of preparations to boycott training, leaving thousands fans who showed up to bid them farewell, stranded and disappointed at the stadium.
Head coach of the Gambia national team, Tom Saintfiet engaged the fans alongside his technical team members but the fans expressed their displeasure, calling on authorities to pay the players.
Gambia is in a tough group C alongside defending champions Senegal, 5-time winners Cameroon and West African rivals Guinea.