Gambian Players to Watch in the UK (Part 2)
This is part 2 of the Gambian players to watch in the UK article. Gambia is a market currently on the rise in Africa with many talented players coming from the small African nation. Gambian players in the UK are currently performing well in their respective divisions which is why I feel it will be interesting to continue monitoring their progress as the season continues.
Alassana Jatta — Notts County
Alassana Jatta is a 25 year old Gambian forward who joined the Nottingham based club this season from Danish club Viborg F.F. Previously Jatta featured for top flight Estonian side Paide Linnameeskond. The Estonian side have grown a reputation in Europe for bringing through talented Gambian players. At the time of writing they currently have other Gambian players in their squad Jarju, Suso, Gibba and their standout forward Abdoulie Ceesay.
Since making the move to the 4th tier of English football he has started the season with a real hot streak of form. in August he has earned plaudits from pundits and commentators of EFL football with some standout performances the most recent of which coming against Grimsby in a league match.
A post on X from Notts County media journalist and podcast presenter “KRennicks40” claimed to have information that Alassana Jatta’s early form had earnt the interest of his national team to play in the AFCON qualifiers. However the source claimed that his preference was to refuse the offer and commit to Notts County. This would be impressive in itself given the talent recently flourishing in this position for “The Scorpions”. Competition for the position is fierce with the likes of Adama Sidibeh recently emerging at Scottish top flight side St. Johnstone. Alongside previously mentioned Abdoulie Ceesay who has been a top player for Paide Linnameeskond and performing at a high level in their early European qualifiers.
Jatta’s physical profile also adds a unique piece to Notts County’s arsenal in the EFL, as their will not be many clubs who will be able to match the power that the Gambian forward possesses. He has recently missed games due to serving a concussion protocol from the Grimsby game. However I see no reason why he will not come back to scoring goals in the league and potentially attracting interest both with his international side and clubs higher up the pyramid.
Momodou Touray — Chorley FC
Momodou Touray is a centre forward currently playing in the National League North in English football. He has represented Wales at both under 19 and under 21 level. However he was born not far from Banjul Gambia’s capital in Serekunda. Despite being 25 years old Touray has had spells with multiple teams. Most notably Newport County and Salford City. During his time at these two clubs he has had mutliple loan spells at various teams in different levels of the pyramid system. His first spell at Barry Town United arguably the most successful of these loan spells, as elsewhere he would struggle for consistency in both game time and performance levels.
Only as recently as 2023 did it look as though Touray had found a home in the Northern Premier league at Warrington Rylands. He had fellow Gambian centre forward to help him chip in with goals Adama Sidibeh and looked as though the club matched his style of play to get the best out of him.
Across both his loan spell and then after his move was made permanent Touray had gone on to score 22 goals in 46 appearances. A reasonable return especially when taking into consideration he had games coming on from the bench.
