World Cup Qualifier:Goals Galore, Dreams Denied: Gambia Miss Out Despite Scoring Most in Africa
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
The Gambia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign was nothing short of spectacular — full of passion, goals, and hope.
Yet, in a cruel twist of football fate, the Scorpions’ record-breaking attacking form wasn’t enough to secure a spot at football’s biggest stage.
Across the qualifiers, The Gambia scored a stunning 27 goals, making them Africa’s highest-scoring team in the entire campaign. Their fearless brand of football thrilled fans and made headlines across the continent. From explosive counterattacks to creative team play, they proved that even smaller nations could command global attention.
But despite their firepower, the results didn’t align. Costly draws and narrow defeats in key fixtures denied them the points they needed to qualify. The Scorpions’ journey ended in heartbreak, a reminder that in football, it’s not only about scoring goals — it’s about winning at the right moments.
Led by their new head coach, Johnny McKinstry, The Gambia showed courage and ambition throughout. Players like Musa Barrow, Adama Sidibeh, and Ali Sowe lit up the qualifiers with goals and flair, embodying the fighting spirit of a nation hungry for global recognition.
Though their dream of a first-ever World Cup appearance was dashed, their campaign remains one of the most exciting stories of the qualifiers — a tale of pride, progress, and promise.
The Scorpions may have fallen short, but they’ve sent a clear message to the rest of Africa: The Gambia has arrived.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
