Gambia sensation Adama Bojang might have top clubs from around the world of football chasing his services after his performances at the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina, but there is still no place for him in senior squad.
The 19-year-old was not included by coach Tom Saintfiet as he named 23 players, including goalkeeper Modou Jobe from relegated Black Leopards in South Africa, for their match against South Sudan next Wednesday, 14 June.
Gambia, who caused a sensation when they reached the quarterfinals at the last Cup of Nations in Cameroon, are on six point from four games in Group G, behind Congo on goal difference and trailing leaders Mali by three points.
They meet South Sudan on neutral territory in Ismailia, Egypt, because the Sudanese have no suitable home facilities to host international matches.
Saintfiet has called up for the first time two players from the lower reaches in England – the 27-year-old midfielder Saidou Khan from League Two outfit Swindon Town and 26-year-old left back Jacob Mendy from Wrexham, who have just won promotion to the top flight.
Gambia are, however, weakened by the absence of several regulars "for different reasons," according to Saintfiet. These include Noah Sonko (Levski Sofia, Bulgaria), Saidy Janko (VfL Bochum, Germany), Yusupha Njie (Boavista, Portugal), Ebrima Darboe (AS Roma, Italy), Alasana Manneh (Odense, Denmark), Steve Trawally (Hammarby, Sweden) and Abdoulie Sanyang (Grenoble, France). Ali Sowe (Ankaragücü, Turkey) has undergone surgery and is also not available.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Baboucarr Gaye (Lokomotiv Sofia, Bulgaria), Modou Jobe (Black Leopards, South Africa), Lamin Sarr (Eskilsminne, Sweden)
Defenders: Omar Colley (Besiktas, Turkey), James Gomez (Horsens, Denmark), Jacob Mendy (Wrexham, England), Dawda Ngum (Ariana, Sweden), Buba Sanneh (unattached), Muhammed Sanneh (Banik Ostrava, Czech Republic), Ibou Touray (Salford City, England)
Midfielders: Ebou Adams (Cardiff City, England), Hamza Barry (Vejle, Denmark), Jesper Ceesay (Norrköping, Sweden), Ablie Jallow (Metz, France), Saidou Khan (Swindon Town, England), Sulayman Marreh (KAA Gent, Belgium), Yankuba Minteh (Odense, Denmark), Sainey Njie (Zemplin Michalovce, Slovenia)
Forwards: Muhammed Badamosi (FK Cukaricki, Serbia), Musa Barrow (Bologna, Italy), Assan Ceesay (Lecce, Italy), Ebrima Colley (Fatih Karagümrük, Turkey), Alieu Fadera (Zulte Waregem, Belgium).