By: Nana Kwame Bediako
The Scorpions of Gambia narrowly escaped disaster flying to the Africa Cup of Nations as the cabin oxygen supply failed.
The team jetted off from Banjul, the Capital of Gambia on Wednesday 10th January, 2024 as they prepare to start their AFCON 2023 Journey in Cote d’Ivoire. Shortly after boarding the plane most of the players passed out and two players were left traumatised as a result.
The issue was notified nine minutes after the plane jetted off from Banjul heading to Abidjan. The pilot was ordered to report back to the Banjul airport for a quick emergency check as the oxygen level in the plane was running low.
Reports from Gambian journalist, Sané Malang suggested that, some of the team members specifically the players fainted due to the lack of oxygen in the plane. Some reports also suggested that, the incident occurred due to the small size of the plane.
“Air Ivoir sent a new plane which has already arrived in Gambia to transport the Gambian delegation to Yamoussoukro;” said Gambian Journalist, Sané Malang.
The Scorpions of Gambia will begin their AFCON campaign against defending champions Senegal on Monday 15th January 2034 in their quest to make a mark in the AFCON tournament.
