“Forever a Gambian, But Time to Go”: Saintfiet Calls it Quits Following Scorpions’ Stumble

Gambia’s AFCON dream turned into a Bouake nightmare, and in the aftermath, head coach Tom Saintfiet has chosen to walk away. After a disappointing group-stage exit, the 50-year-old Belgian announced his immediate resignation, leaving the future of the Scorpions shrouded in uncertainty.

The Gambian fairytale that captivated Africa in 2021, culminating in a stunning quarter-final run in Cameroon, seemed a distant memory in Ivory Coast. Three consecutive defeats, including a late heartbreaker against Cameroon on Tuesday, painted a picture of a team adrift. Despite taking the lead in Bouake, Christopher Wooh’s last-gasp free-kick snatched victory for the Indomitable Lions, sealing Gambia’s fate and prompting Saintfiet’s decisive action.

“This was my last match as coach of Gambia,” he declared, emotion tingeing his voice. While his contract extended until 2026, the disappointing campaign proved a bridge too far. “I am forever a Gambian,” he added, a nod to his daughter born during his tenure. “But I believe this is the time.”

Saintfiet’s legacy in Gambia remains a complex tapestry. He arrived a relative unknown, yet led the nation to its first-ever AFCON appearance, a feat etched in national pride. His tactical nous and motivational skills unlocked a spirit of resilience, turning underdogs into continental conquerors.

But that success couldn’t shield him from the harsh realities of Bouake. Critics pointed to tactical inconsistencies and questioned his squad selection. The lack of a single point cast a long shadow, culminating in the bittersweet resignation.

Now, the Gambia Football Federation faces a pivotal crossroads. Saintfiet’s departure leaves a void, one that demands careful consideration. Finding a worthy successor becomes the immediate priority, a challenge fraught with the weight of expectation and the desire to reignite the AFCON flame.

Whether Gambia can weave another magical chapter or falter under the pressure of a new regime remains to be seen. Saintfiet’s abrupt exit marks the end of an era, a bittersweet closure to a remarkable journey. As the dust settles in Bouake, the Scorpions must pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and chart a new course. Gambia’s AFCON odyssey may be over, but the quest for future glory has just begun.