African School Games success proves Gambia has a lot of budding talent

BY: Muhammed Saidykhan (Justice), GNOC Communications Officer

Annaba, Algeria, August 5, 2025 – Sometimes sport throws up stories of human spirit that you cannot help but watch with a warm smile – as Gambia’s first-ever African School Games achievements showcase in Algeria.

Winning 12 medals at the 1st African School Games in Algeria was quite a surprise for a country that has had its share of struggles. Gambia has felt a great surge of confidence due to this win that will help mend some of the difficulties and help Gambia to keep feeling the pride it has always maintained.

Rank outsiders to win any silverware, the Gambian team repeatedly cited the importance of being a continental beater – a mission statement that we all struggled to believe at first.

“Greatest story in Basketball 3×3”

Gambia’s poignant victory was not just the major story of 1st African School Games. This is one of the most emotional, most incredible stories in the history of basketball.

There was an amazing scene on July 30 after the final whistle when all the players fell to their knees for celebration. It really was emotional and anyone who saw it won’t forget it. But after beating both Libya and Ghana, Gambia’s victory was not simply down to fate. They were worthy winners.

“Beach Volleyball Continues to Shine”

Beach Volleyball continues to be one of our country’s must successful sport. Their feat at the games once again put up a statement that will remain in the sport hall of fame.  For beach volleyball this is one of many achievements to come.

“Wrestling Made it Happen”

Our two gallant wrestlers stood firm on the mat to defend the colors. It was a fight that will ever be remembered by them. Muhammed Faal and Ousman Sakho were indeed heroes and their bronze medals will continue to inspire young athletes in that code.

The golden era of Athletics

Buba Bayo stormed to victory in the boys 100m, whiles Amadou Sabally grabbed bronze. It was indeed another bronze for Rohey Camara in the 400m and young Serreh Sanneh scooped silver in long jump, perhaps few of our country’s medal in field events.

It was all history on August 4 when Sabally won silver in men 200m but hey Gambia made a continental statement after winning gold in the men medley relay and silver in the women medley relay.

“Swimming and Judo fought for the Nation”

For our athletes in swimming and Judo, your hard work, patriotism and courage is indeed unprecedented. Lest you forget this is “Team Gambia” we fight as a team and we win as a team. This is an inclusive victory for us all. Though you didn’t appear on the medal counts but you are all worthy champions. 

🥇🥇🥇🥈🥈🥈🥈🥉🥉🥉🥉🥉

These are heroes of the nation that have sacrifice, fought and won 12 medals, on behalf of Gambia either dead or alive.

This is a year (2025) that will ring for eternity in our history. Nonetheless it was a fairytale ending many celebrated beyond borders, but again the success had set a new challenge for all those you have a stake in our sport development.

But crucially, Gambia also had a talented pool of talents to back up our new found courage – for all the understandable talk, there is otherwise surely only so far mental strength can take us.