Sampdoria defender Omar Colley shocked with Gambia 'punishment'

Former Gambia captain Omar Colley is not happy with his omission from the squad to play Togo in back-to-back 2019 Afcon qualifiers next week.

After withdrawing himself from the team that held Algeria 1-1 at home last month due to family commitments, Colley has been frozen out of the upcoming home and away matches against Togo.

“I’m just shocked about the situation because I am a loyal ambassador of my country. I haven't done anything to be punished,” Colley told BBC.

“My family is my number one priority, likewise anyone else. I play in Europe's top four leagues, you cannot compare me with others.

“It’s not right because I have represented Gambia at all levels and am always ready to defend the national colours.”

Belgian coach Saintfiet has also dropped Reading winger Modou Barrow who pulled out of the squad that faced Algeria for family reasons.

Midfielder Hamza Barry has also been overlooked after asking to be excused from the same Algeria game.

Saintfiet said he would stick with those who impressed him against the Desert Foxes.

“For the other people (missing players) it is not a selection against them, it's a selection for the people we choose,” said Saintfiet.

“The people who were there (against Algeria) we have to be honest they were very motivated and disciplined.

“It would be unfair as a coaching team not recognise that, not to respect that and to drop people who have shown me as a new coach that they’re ready to fight and die for the country.”

Gambia clash with Togo in Lome next Friday, before hosting the same side four days later.

Saintfiet’s side are still without a win in Group D and lost their opening match 1-0 away in Benin.

The Gambia squad:

Goalkeepers: Modou Jobe (El Kanemi Warriors, Nigeria) Baboucarr Gaye (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany)

Defenders: Njine Faye Njie (Gamtel), Simon Richter and Dawda Ngum (both FC Bronshoj, Denmark), Bubacarr Sanneh (RSC Anderlecht, Belgium), Mamadou Danso (UiTM, Malaysia), Pa Modou Jagne (FC Zurich, Switzerland)

Midfielders: Sulayman Marreh (KAS Eupen, Belgium), Ebrima Sohna (FC Kesla, Azabaijan), Yusupha Bobb (Cuneo, Italy), Ebou Adams (Ebbsfleet United, England), Ablie Jallow (FC Metz, France), Mustapha Carayol (Apollon Limassol, Cyprus)

Forwards: Lamin Jallow (Salernitana, Italy), Adama Jammeh (Etoile du Sahel, Tunisia), Assan Ceesay (FC Zurich, Switzerland), Musa Barrow (Atalanta, Italy), Ali Sowe (CSKA Sofia, Bulgaria), Mohamed Badamosi (FUS Rabat, Morocco), Muhammed Mbye (Mjallby, Sweden)