Once every few years, the media like to circulate panic around some of the biggest teams in the country, as star players leave their clubs and head to Africa to represent their country in the African Cup of Nations.
This year sees Liverpool loose a trio of first team members, with forwards Mohammad Salah and Sadio Mane play for Egypt and Senegal, with Naby Keita link up with Mali.
It is not however, just Premier League and Champions League contenders that will be losing key men, with a host of players from the English Football League preparing to star in the continents equivalent of the European Championships.
Forest Green Rovers midfielder Ebou Adams has been called up to the Gambia side, looking to win his eight cap for his country, the latest being October’s 2-1 victory against South Sudan.
Most of Adams international appearances came in Qualification for the 2019 AFCON, when Gambia were knocked out at the Qualifying Group Stage, finishing third to Algeria and Benin, only finishing above Togo.
Adams started his career in the Conference National with Dartford, playing 21 matches in his three year spell, playing most of his football in the National League South after relegation in 2014/15. Later joining Norwich City in 2016 for an undisclosed fee, with the midfielder becoming ‘The Darts’ record sale.
The Gambian’s three year stay at Carrow Road only delivered one appearance; a 4-1 win against Milton Keynes Dons in the EFL Cup, where Adams scored the final goal of the game with a long range strike.
Most of his time was spent out on loan from Norfolk, with spells at Braintree Town, Shrewsbury Town and Leyton Orient.
Upon leaving Norwich, the midfielder signed for Ebbsfleet United on a two year deal, but joined Forest Green Rovers after a single season at Stonebridge playing 37 games.
Since his arrival at The New Lawn, Adams has become a crucial member of the squad, with over 100 matches already under his belt for the League Two leaders, scoring nine times.
His versatility has made him a favourite in Nailsworth, occupying any central midfield role, performing best in a more advanced role.
Gambia start their tournament on Wednesday against Mauritania, with games against Mali and Tunisia later in the month.
