Salford City pair Ibou Touray and Adrian Mariappa temporarily left the Ammies this week to represent their countries.
Touray went to Africa to link up with The Gambia in a double header against Mali, whilst new signing Mariappa played for Jamaica.
The Gambia travelled to Bamako for their first game on Friday March 24, with the Ammies captain Touray playing in a more advanced left midfield role.
However, Mali struck early with a third minute goal from Kamory Doumbia and a second came with a 95th minute penalty from Adama Traore in a game they firmly dominated.
Mariappa made a cameo for Jamaica, being subbed on seven minutes before time in the Reggae Boyz’ 2-2 draw against Mexico in a CONCACAF Nations League match.
The 36-year old signed for Salford on a short term deal after leaving Burton Albion in January.
Touray played another 90 minutes for The Gambia on Tuesday (28 March), in the second match against Mali, as part of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The match, played in Casablanca, saw Touray’s Scorpions win 1-0 after a goal from Omar Colley.
Ibou Touray played the full 9⃣0⃣ for @TheGambiaFF as The Scorpions earned a 1-0 AFCON qualifier victory over Mali yesterday evening 🇬🇲
Congrats, Ibby 💪 pic.twitter.com/OWNK2SRmXv
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) March 29, 2023
The Gambia sit 81 places below Mali in the FIFA rankings, keeping them in touching distance of a spot in this year’s tournament, held in the Ivory Coast.
Both players will now be heading back to Salford ahead of the game against local rivals Stockport County on Friday.
It will be the first time Mariappa meets his new teammates, signing for the Ammies whilst training with his national side.
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