Qualified for the CAN, the Gambian selection experienced a mishap which could have turned into tragedy on the plane which transported it to the host country, Ivory Coast.
Huge scare on the sidelines of the CAN. While the Gambian selection was heading to Ivory Coast, where the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations is taking place, its plane had to turn around after nine minutes of flight due to a technical problem which could have been dramatic.
“The Gambia Football Federation regrets to inform the public that the flight carrying the Scorpions to the Africa Cup of Nations returned to Banjul (the capital of The Gambia) due to technical problems. The plane had been in the air for nine minutes when the crew realized the problem and immediately requested to return to Banjul.indicated the Gambian federation on social networks.
“Another 30 minutes on the plane and everyone was dead”
The cabin would have depressurized which would have caused some players to faint, according to Tom Saintfiet, the Scorpions coach. ” It’s crazy ! Another 30 minutes on the plane and everyone was dead, did he declare. (…) Some players did not wake up immediately after landing. We almost got carbon monoxide poisoning. »
The Gambia Federation also provided details of the incident: “Upon landing, initial investigations revealed a loss of pressure and oxygen in the cabin. However, the technical team of the company that operated the flight, Air Côte d’Ivoire, continues to assess the situation to determine the cause of the lack of oxygen and pressure in the cabin. (…) All members of the delegation are safe and in good health. » As a reminder, Gambia will begin its CAN against the reigning champion, Senegal, on Monday.
