Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet quits minutes after Cup of Nations exit

Shortly after his team's elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet made the decision to resign, despite his commendable efforts to secure a spot in the last-16 by competing against the formidable five-time champions, Cameroon.

The Belgian coach revealed that his contract would expire in August, but he decided to leave immediately.

Gambia marked his tenth position as a national team coach, and it proved to be his most successful one. He successfully guided the small west African country to qualify for their first-ever Cup of Nations in Cameroon two years ago. Furthermore, he led them on an impressive journey to the quarter-finals, defeating strong opponents along the way.

Although they managed to qualify for the tournament in the Ivory Coast, they faced disappointment as they lost all three matches in Group C. However, it is worth noting that they were leading against Cameroon with a score of 2-1 at the Stade de la Paix until the last five minutes of their final group game.

Unfortunately, they conceded two goals, resulting in a 3-2 defeat and finishing at the bottom of the group without earning any points.

Prior to his tenure with Gambia, he held various national team coaching positions. His first experience was with Namibia in 2008, followed by coaching stints in Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Yemen, Malawi, Togo, Bangladesh, Trinidad & Tobago, and Malta.

Regrettably, Saintfiet became the first casualty among the managers in this edition of the Cup of Nations.