Gambia’s aspirations for AFCON’23 face uncertainty following a harrowing mid-air emergency that left the national football team terified. The team’s flight to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast experienced a crisis when oxygen levels depleted, forcing an emergency landing and prompting concerns about their readiness for the tournament.
Coach Tom Saintfiet, recounting the ugly experience, described how oxygen supplies failed just nine minutes into the flight, leading to players struggling for breath and some losing consciousness. “We were really in dire straits on the plane,” he shared with ESPN. “There was no oxygen; everyone fell asleep and became a little bit unconscious. The pilot had no choice but to return to save our lives.”
The 50-seater plane, chartered by the Gambian Football Federation, turned into a nightmare chamber with soaring temperatures. Defender Saidy Janko provided a stark depiction on Instagram, highlighting the “inhumane heat” and “strong headaches” before “people started falling deeply asleep minutes after takeoff.”
According to the Caoch, emergency landing procedures in Gambia’s capital, Banjul, averted a disaster, but my shaken players now grapple with the trauma and question their ability to compete in the opening match against defending champions Senegal on Monday. Coach Saintfiet expressed his commitment to Gambia but emphasized, “I am ready to die for Gambia, but on the football pitch, not off it,” echoing the team’s shaken state.
The Gambian Football Federation acknowledged the incident, citing “a loss of cabin pressure and oxygen” in a statement. Further investigation by Air Côte d’Ivoire, the plane’s operator, is promised. However, with the critical clash just days away, Gambia’s AFCON fate hangs precariously in the balance.
This alarming incident raises serious concerns about the safety of travel arrangements for AFCON teams, prompting a spotlight on the wellbeing of the Gambian players and their ability to recover, both physically and mentally, in time for the tournament opener. Beyond the playing field, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in sports travel, prompting a call for a comprehensive examination of safety protocols for future tournaments
