The Gambia entered the weekend clash on the back of only one friendly game in the past five months and despite masterminding an easy win against the toothless Southern African side in the campaign opener, the Belgian mentor believes more work needs to be done in order to achieve the 2012 dream. "Playing friendly games gives me a very good platform for our preparations for the 2012 qualifiers, and I feel we need to play more in order to be in good shape for the remaining encounters. "The importance of these matches enables us to assess how players adapt at international level and how they fit into our set up and the playing pattern.

In order for us to achieve our goal, I will need the support from the government [through the ministry of Youth and Sports] and the people of the Gambia to organise more friendlies and training camp for the team," he told Observer Sports in a post-match interview at the weekend. Commenting on Saturday's victory, which serves a perfect start for the Scorpions in their group of three, the Belgian said: "It was important to start with a victory at home. I think it's important for the confidence and now we can look forward to Burkina clash which will be tough."