Tanzania-Based Sillah earns maiden Gambia call-up for World Cup qualifiers
Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has handed a first-ever national team call-up to Azam FC forward Gibril Sillah ahead of the Scorpions' crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire this month.
The 26-year-old has been in impressive form for Tanzanian side Azam FC, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in the Tanzanian Premier League this season.
His performances have earned him a place in McKinstry’s 24-man squad, as Gambia looks to boost their qualification hopes.
The Scorpions, currently second from bottom in Group F with three points from four matches, will take on Kenya in Abidjan on March 20 before facing TotalEnergies CAF AFCON champions Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on March 24.
Alongside Sillah, Inverness Caledonian Thistle goalkeeper Musa Dibaga has also been named in the squad, while Sheriff Sinyan and Omar Gaye return to the fold.
However, Young Boys winger Ebrima Colley has been left out despite his strong form in the Swiss Super League.
Other notable absentees include James Gomez, Adama Bojang, and Ibou Touray, along with Real de Banjul captain Lamin Saidy.
Gambia faces an uphill battle in Group F, trailing leaders Côte d’Ivoire by seven points and needing positive results to stay in contention for qualification.
Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Ebrima Jarju (Paide)
- Sheikh Sinyan (Virtus Verona)
- Musa Dibaga (Inverness Caledonian Thistle)
Defenders:
- Omar Colley (Poak)
- Omar Gaye (Francavilla)
- Lars Joseph Ceesay (Cesena)
- Dadi Dodou Gaye (BYRNE)
- Momodou Lion Njie (KFUM)
- Sheriff Sinyan (CFR Cluj)
Midfielders:
- Saikou Touray (Grenoble)
- Ebrima Adams (Derby County)
- Abubakr Barry (Austra Wien)
- Alasana Manneh (Hibernians)
- Mahmudu Bajo (DAC 1904)
- Ebrima Darboe (Frosinone)
- Ablie Jallow (FC Metz)
Strikers:
- Musa Barrow (Al Taawoon)
- Alieu Fadera (Como), Gibril Sillah (Azam FC)
- Yankuba Minteh (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Abdoulie Sanyang (Hadjuk Split), Ali Sowe (Rizespor )
- Abdoulie Ceesay (St Pauli ),
- Alassana Jatta (Notts County)