Gambia's head coach has publicly spoken about the horrible living conditions his players have been forced to endure at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, which reportedly includes members of staff having to share beds.
Belgian manager Tom Saintfiet has taken Gambia to the round of 16 in the country's first-ever appearance at the prestigious African tournament, although he is not entirely pleased with how things have gone off the field.
Speaking ahead of the Scorpions' knockout clash against Guinea on Monday night, the 48-year-old shared some insight into the conditions his squad has had to put up with, saying they have multiple players sharing a single room during the pandemic.
"We have six players sleeping in one room in the middle of Covid," Saintfiet told AFU.
"There is a lack of logistics at this Africa Cup of Nations. We always travel two hours before each game. We are not respected by the organisation and it is a real shame. I worked 14 years in Africa but it's unheard of."
Despite Saintfiet's displeasure with all that is happening behind the scenes, though, he also stated that he is incredibly proud of how his side has reacted.
"Above all, I must admit that I am proud of the efforts of my players, my staff and the Federation during the group stage," he added.
"Without everyone's support, we cannot reach this level. We played in a difficult group with many disciplines, with a plan, a strategy, and it worked.
"My players gave their best and helped qualify for the second round of the CAN."
According to French journalist Romain Molina, some members of Gambia's staff have also been sharing beds at night.
