The Gambia’s Scorpions, under the guidance of German Antoine Hey, will take on Saudi Arabia in a friendly international match today in Riyadh.

The kick-off is scheduled at 1600 GMT. The team will play against Bahrain two days later in Manama. The team that earlier converged in Germany before proceeding to the Asian continent, excluded the Gambian versatile mid-fielder, Jatto Ceesay, whose Cyprus club, AEK Larnaca, refused to released him owing to the vital fixtures lying ahead of them in their league.

Other absentees of the team include Edrissa Sonko, Kamal Ndow, Abdoulie Corr, Seyfo Soley and Simon Badjie.

However, Saudi friendly will surface some new faces in coach Antoine Hey’s squad after the call-up of the likes of Baboucarr Ndiaye from Unterhaching, a Second Division side in Germany, Pa Malick Joof of Wolfsborg, Germany, Musa Bajaha of Virko FC, Pa Saikou Kujaba-who will step in for the injured Simon Badjie. Another new faces are Muhammed Camara and Tijan Ceesay both of whom are eyeing their first cap for The Gambia.

Today’s friendly match is an important test for the Asians ahead of their participation in the Gulf Cup which starts in the United Arab Emirates later this month.

Contrary, Gambia’s coach, Antoine Hey will also use this opportunity to prepare for the resumption of the African Nations Cup qualifiers, as they face Guinea in March 2007 in Banjul. The Gambian side will use the opportunity to cement fruitful relations with the Saudi Football Association for the development of football in the country.

Gambia Squad

1. Pa Dembo Touray
2. Musa Bajaha
3. Kemo Ceesay
4. Ebou Sillah
5. Abou Njie
6. Mamur Njie
7. Modou Jagne
8. Assan Jatta
9. Mustapha Jarjue
10. Baboucarr Ndiaye
11. Malick Joof
12. Mathiew Mendy
13. Azziz Corr Nyan
14. Pa Saikou Kujabi
15. Muhammed Camara
16. Tijan Ceesay
17. Njogu Demba