Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Mustapha Jarju to play for Gambia

Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Mustapha Jarju has been called up by his native Gambia for next Wednesday’s international friendly versus Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a result, the club’s second Designated Player signing will miss this Sunday’s Major League Soccer match versus Chicago Fire on Bell Pitch at Empire Field.

Jarju will depart for The Gambia on Sunday, with the West African nation using next week’s friendly to prepare for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Namibia in early September. The 25-year-old will return immediately to North America after Wednesday’s friendly and meet up with his Whitecaps FC teammates in Washington, D.C., for the Saturday, August 13, tilt versus D.C. United at RFK Stadium.

An alternate captain for his national side and playing primarily as a midfielder, Jarju has recorded four goals in 25 international appearances for the side known as ‘The Scorpions’. Jarju has also represented his country at the youth international level, captaining Gambia’s U-17 and U-20 national sides, as well as appearing for their U-23 Olympic squad. The Gambia are currently ranked 100th in the FIFA World Rankings.