A potential disaster was narrowly avoided as the aircraft transporting members of the Gambia national team had to make a u-turn to Banjul shortly after takeoff. The flight, en route to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, experienced a delay due to a loss of oxygen.
According to a statement released by the Gambia Football Federation on Thursday, the chartered flight carrying the Scorpions had to return to Banjul due to technical issues. The flight, which lasted nine minutes, prompted the crew to request an immediate return to Banjul. Preliminary investigations upon landing revealed a loss of cabin pressure and oxygen.
A new departure time has been arranged for the players and officials to continue their journey to the Africa Cup of Nations. The Gambia national team, known as the Scorpions, is placed in Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, five-time champions Cameroon, and Guinea.