AFCON 2023: Tom Saintfliet resigns as coach of the Gambia

Tom Saintfliet delivered an emotional farewell speech after the Gambia lost to Cameroon – in the final game of group C, at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) Cote D’Ivoire.

Present at the post match press conference, Saintfliet mentioned that his resignation had nothing to do with the immediate defeat suffered against Cameroon.

“This was my last match as coach of Gambia. My contact expires in August 2026, but I’ve decided to step down. Thanks to the FA and staff,” Saintfliet said before adding;

“I am a Gambian now. My daughter is 7, and when I told her I’ll resign, she wasn’t happy. I however believe this is the time,” the gaffer ended.

Tom Saintfliet has spent an incredible 5 years as Scorpions coach, qualifying the team to two consecutive AFCONs.

In the 2021 edition, Saintfliet and his lads made the quarter-finals, surpassing all expectations.

This 2023 edition, the Gambia was in a difficult group, tagged the group of ‘death’ by some football writers.

The Gambia lost with 10 men against holders Senegal in the group C opener. The scorpions narrowly lost to Guinea, and bottled a 2-1 lead to lose against the Indomitable Lions in the last game.

“We were dominating the game and we created a lot of chances but Cameroon has more experience. That was the difference,” Saintfliet described the game when asked.

Tom Saintfliet has not released further words about his future but the 50-year-old will certainly be a point of interest for some top African sides