A flight carrying Gambia’s national football team, nicknamed the “Scorpions,” took a terrifying turn on Wednesday as a sudden loss of oxygen forced an emergency landing back in the Gambian capital, Banjul, just nine minutes after takeoff. The incident, narrowly escaping tragedy, cast a shadow of uncertainty over the team’s participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast.
Gambia’s Football Federation confirmed the incident in a statement, attributing it to “technical problems” that resulted in a loss of cabin pressure and oxygen. Upon landing, the players and staff were visibly shaken, with some reportedly suffering from headaches and dizziness due to the oxygen deprivation.
“We were all getting carbon monoxide poisoning,” revealed Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, visibly shaken, to Belgian network VRT. “Some players didn’t even wake up immediately after landing,” he added, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Midfielder Saidy Janko further corroborated the ordeal on Instagram, describing the terrifying moments when passengers started falling asleep mid-air due to the lack of oxygen.
While the operating company, Air Cote d’Ivoire, is investigating the cause of the incident, the immediate focus is on ensuring the team’s safe arrival in Ivory Coast. Thankfully, with the tournament kicking off on Saturday, Gambia’s Football Federation has secured another flight for Thursday afternoon, aiming to get the team to Yamoussoukro, one of the host cities, as soon as possible.
The near-tragedy underscores the importance of air safety and reinforces the pressure on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. Regardless of the outcome, the experience has undoubtedly shaken the team and raised concerns about their mental and physical readiness for the prestigious continental tournament.
Despite the harrowing scare, the “Scorpions” remain determined to compete on the biggest stage of African football. Their journey to AFCON may have taken an unexpected turn, but their resilience and fighting spirit will be tested like never before as they aim to leave the incident behind and focus on bringing glory to their nation.
The fate of Gambia’s AFCON campaign hangs in the balance, but their experience serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of never taking anything for granted. As the Scorpions prepare to take flight once more, the world watches with a mix of anxiety and hope, eager to see how this chapter in their story unfolds.
