The Gambian national soccer team had to make an unexpected return to Banjul shortly after their flight had taken off for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The team’s departure was postponed due to the loss of oxygen on the flight carrying the entire squad to Abidjan, as reported by Sports Brief. The Scorpions are set to compete against Senegal, Cameroon, and Guinea in Group C of the tournament.
According to a statement from the Gambia Football Federation, the chartered flight carrying the team experienced technical difficulties after just nine minutes in the air. This resulted in some players and technical staff experiencing severe headaches and breathing issues. The federation expressed regret over the situation and confirmed that the players and staff were safe. They also mentioned that plans for a new departure time have been arranged.
The 34th edition of the African Nations Cup is scheduled to begin this weekend, on January 13, and will continue until February 11, 2024.
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