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Exclusive: An insight into the Africa Cup of Nations through the eyes of a Forest Green Rovers fan

Forest Green Rovers’ Ebou Adams wasn’t the one that made the journey from Nailsworth to Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations, with Rovers fan Bakary (Bax) Sanneh in attendance at the Limbe stadium. 

‘Bax’, as he is commonly known amongst fans, would normally find himself supporting Rob Edwards’ side every weekend.

However, instead of the New Lawn, Bax is experiencing Gambia’s first ever appearance at a major international competition. 

“Obviously I am usually supporting Forest Green home and away, but I am Gambian as well,” he explained.

“I said that this is something that I do not want to miss (AFCON) and to top it off with a Forest Green player being in the Gambia squad as well, I think that just completes it.”

Adams went on to play the entire 90 minutes in midfield for Gambia, putting in a performance that many in Nailsworth would be proud of.

Read more: Rob Edwards and Jamille Matt react to Ebou Adams AFCON performance

It’s the first time that the Scorpions have ever qualified for the tournament, and Bax is still coming to terms with his nation’s victory 1-0 over Mauritania. 

“It’s been two days since the first game, and it still feels like a dream,” explained the Gambia supporter. I keep asking myself am I actually watching Gambia in AFCON because it’s something that I’ve never dreamed of. 

“I never thought it would happen. We’re in the tournament as underdogs, so to win our first game, it’s massive. When we won, I saw some videos in Gambia and I thought I wish I was there. It was massive there; everyone was celebrating in the streets.”

In addition to being able to see his country’s games in the tournament, the Gambian has had the opportunity to speak to players at training and after matches. 

While that kind of access is usually unheard of in football, Bax explained the dynamic between players and the supporters within the camp. 

“The culture in Gambia is that the players come out to you, and you just try to give them a little boost. There’s always a bond between the players and the fans, they know the fans and then they embrace you. 

“Gambia is a very small country, and you know some of the players before they’re professionals because coming from The Gambia, everyone basically knows (everyone) – especially in football.”

A win against Mali could secure Gambia’s place in the knockout stages of the competition, should results go their way – but Bax says he’s planning to wait until the conclusion of the match before deciding his travel plans. 

“I never thought we would go to the knockout rounds, but when you win your first game the confidence is there.

“I was meant to go back to the Gambia after the first round because I was thinking that we’re going to be out. I will decide after Sunday’s game what I will do.”

For more stories like this click the following link: ParkLife Sport LIVE: Reactions from tennis, Premier League press conferences and a preview to the darts – Park Life (uogjmag.co.uk)

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