Will Clark: Inverness Caley Thistle goalkeeper Musa Dibaga’s maiden international call-up is a fairytale moment for potential Gambia star
MUSA Dibaga has proven to be a safe pair of hands for Inverness Caledonian Thistle. But who would have thought that when he first arrived at the club that he would have ended up playing in a World Cup qualifier this week?
The 24-year-old, who was born in Spain, but qualifies to play for Gambia through his family, has been selected in the squad to face Kenya and Ivory Coast in the World Cup qualifiers.
Gambia will play Kenya on Thursday followed by the Ivory Coast on Monday as they look to get their World Cup qualifying hopes back on track which is reaching the halfway point.
He is one of three goalkeepers in the squad, along with Ebrima Jarju who plays for Paide Linnameeskond in Estonia and Sheikh Bibi who plays for Virtus Verona in Italy’s Serie C.
I don’t know much about the other two goalkeepers, but whether Dibaga starts or not, the fact that he has been called up to play international football is an incredible achievement.
Dibaga, only turned professional when he signed for Inverness back in August.
After moving to Scotland, his only experience of playing football was in the Lowland League with Bo’Ness United and Whitehill Welfare.
He was not even brought in to be the starting number one as originally he was brought in as back up to Jack Newman, who was on loan at Inverness from Scottish Premiership outfit Dundee United.
However, he has impressed so much, he kept his place in the starting line-up even when Newman was available for selection.
Then administration hit in October, and Newman’s contract with Inverness was terminated, along with the four players being made redundant and former boss Duncan Ferguson and his management team.
Dibaga became the undisputed number one at the club and has relished the role with a string of superb performances. Before Saturday’s clash against Annan Athletic, he has recorded 11 clean sheets in 29 appearances.
He also has a successful record of saving penalties, as he had saved three out of four spot-kicks so far this campaign, including in last week’s 4-1 win over Stenhousemuir.
He has played a huge part in Inverness Caledonian Thistle managing to get out of the relegation zone this season. Despite the club suffering a 15-point deduction due to going into administration, they have given themselves a tremendous chance of remaining at least in League One.
The only downside to Dibaga’s international call-up is Dibaga will be missing for this Saturday’s clash at home to Alloa Athletic. Whoever, replaces him between the sticks next weekend will have big gloves to fill. Teenager Szymon Rebilas could be given the chance to show what he can do, or the club might explore an emergency loan goalkeeper.
One thing for sure is the club will be looking forward to the return of Dibaga from Africa as he has become a firm fan’s favourite. Despite his absence this weekend, nobody will begrudge him the chance of playing at international level.
Despite the club going through the worst period in its history and still looking for the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of administration, the arrival and impact of Dibaga has been a bright spark this season.
Now, where can I find a pub in Inverness that is showing the Kenya v Gambia game?
