The boat sank in the Mediterranean during its journey from Libya to Europe.
Fatim Jawara, the 19-year-old goalkeeper of The Gambia’s national women’s football team, died last month after her boat sank while migrating to Europe, the country’s football federation has announced.
The boat sank in the Mediterranean during its journey from Libya to Europe.
Gambian Football Federation president Lamin Kaba Bajo said Ms. Jawara’s family confirmed news of her death.
“She will be remembered for saving a penalty kick in a friendly encounter involving the national soccer team and the Glasgow Girls from Scotland,” Mr. Bajo said.
“Her death was untimely, but we will remember her for her great performances on the pitch,” added Chorro Mbenga, one of the late goalkeeper’s former coaches.
Thousands of migrants have suffered a similar fate as Ms. Jawara. In 2016 alone, at least 3,300 migrants have drowned in the Mediterranean, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The IOM also noted that Gambians represent the fourth-largest migrant group in Italy.
