)
The 2023 AFCON almost got off to a disastrous start after the Gambian national team were forced to make an emergency landing when their plane ran out of oxygen
In a distressing incident that brought attention to the safety of sports teams during international travel, the Gambia national football team experienced a critical emergency aboard their flight to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Gambia squad make emergency plane landing
According to Dailymail, the Gambia national football team, on their way to the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, experienced a harrowing incident when their flight had to make an emergency landing due to a malfunction in the oxygen supply.
)
04:31 - 04.01.2024
AFCON: Senegal vs Gambia match preview, Betting Tips and Prediction
This match is expected to be thrilling, showcasing the best of African football.
)
19:07 - 04.01.2024
The 10 best Jerseys at AFCON 2023
Which African country will be rocking the best kits at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast?
This crisis occurred just nine minutes after takeoff from Banjul to Abidjan, causing several players to lose consciousness. The pilot, recognising the severity of the situation, quickly returned to Banjul. The passengers, including the team members, suffered severe headaches and extreme dizziness due to critically low oxygen levels on the aircraft.
)
The national team's coach, Tom Saintfiet, vividly described the ordeal, stating that the situation could have led to fatal consequences, particularly due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if the flight had continued longer.
Investigation and response to Gambia plane mishap
Following this incident, the Gambian Football Federation acknowledged the technical problems and confirmed that the team was safe and in good health. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the oxygen and cabin pressure issues, as per Clutch Points News
According to Mirror Football on X, former Manchester United player Saidy Janko, who was on the flight, shared the horrific plane experience incident on his Instagram handle. He criticised the conditions and emphasised the seriousness of the incident. The team, preparing for their opening match against Senegal, has refused to use the same aircraft for future travel, highlighting the need for more stringent safety measures.
Related content
)
12:17 - 11.01.2024
AFCON 2023 AFCON bound Gambia's 'small' plane escapes tragedy, forced to turn back home
Gambia national football team's Africa Cup of Nations journey took an unexpected turn mid-flight prompting a return home.
19:07 - 04.01.2024
The 10 best Jerseys at AFCON 2023
Which African country will be rocking the best kits at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast?
)
09:30 - 27.12.2023
Engin Firat spent 2023 shaping Harambee Stars in his image: Is the side ready for a monumental 2024?
With 2024 set to be a pivotal year for Harambee Stars given the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2024 CHAN on home soil, is the team ready following a mixed 2023?
)
23:50 - 11.12.2023
FOOTBALL Osimhen ends Nigeria's 24-year wait for CAF Men's Player of the Year award
Osimhen enjoyed a stellar campaign for Napoli, winning the Serie A top scorer award and helping end Napoli’s long wait for a Scudetto title.
)
10:06 - 07.12.2023
FOOTBALL Musa Otieno challenges foreign-based Kenyan contingent to step up for Harambee Stars
Musa has challenged foreign-based footballers to step up as Harambee Stars gears up for upcoming games against Ivory Coast and Gambia in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers next June.
)
13:00 - 30.11.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars remain stagnant in latest FIFA world rankings
Harambee Stars remain 110th in the latest FIFA World rankings after losing to Gabon and beating Seychelles in their opening two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games.
)
16:00 - 23.11.2023
FOOTBALL Firat earmarks two crucial Harambee Stars matches in quest for maiden World Cup appearance
Kenya will play their next World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast and the Gambia at home.
)
11:00 - 22.11.2023
FOOTBALL Engin Firat explains why Harambee Stars faltered against Gabon
The former Eintracht Frankfurt director of football is adamant that Harambee Stars would be top of the group had he had his key defenders and goalkeeper fit.
)
06:00 - 20.11.2023
FOOTBALL Firat's warning to Harambee Stars ahead of ‘must win’ encounter with Seychelles
Kenya desperately need this victory to kickstart their quest for 2026 World Cup appearance.
)
17:00 - 16.11.2023
FOOTBALL Where to watch Harambee Stars take on Gabon in the CAF qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2026
This is how you can watch Harambee Stars take on Gabon in their opening World Cup qualifier match on Thursday.
)
09:33 - 16.11.2023
FOOTBALL Injury-plagued Harambee Stars’ probable line up against Gabon
Who will Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat pick in his starting line up against Gabon?
)
06:00 - 16.11.2023
FOOTBALL Firat reveals why qualifying for AFCON 2025 Round of 16 is a must ahead of ‘home’ 2027 edition
Engin Firat has revealed why both qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and getting to the knockout stages of that tournament is an absolute necessity for Harambee Stars.
)
21:33 - 15.11.2023
FOOTBALL Bandari custodian Joseph Ochuka ‘ready’ to make Harambee Stars debut at World Cup qualifiers
Ochuka was named in the final Harambee Stars squad for the two World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)