Ex-Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry is looking to exploit a key ‘advantage’ that his side has over Harambee Stars.
Former Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry is plotting to upset Kenya’s Harambee Stars as he leads Gambia into battle on Thursday, March 20, at 10 PM EAT.
The high-stakes clash at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium presents McKinstry with a unique advantage.
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Former Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has shed light on Benni McCarthy’s thoughts on the quality of the Kenyan national football team.
Having coached Gor Mahia to two FKF Premier League titles before departing at the end of the 2023/24 season, the Scot is well-versed in the strengths and weaknesses of Kenyan football.
Now at the helm of Gambia’s national team, he is confident that this insight will give his side the edge.
“We have the quality to down Kenya. We need to put up the best in the game, and there is no doubt we have a lot of depth. I know Kenyan football, their league, and I’m facing an opponent I know with some of their best players,” McKinstry told Nation Sport.
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The Joe Kadenge stadium, formerly City stadium, which previously served as home ground for Gor Mahia is expected to be in usable condition following renovations.
Acknowledging Kenya’s solid defensive structure and counter-attacking style, McKinstry has vowed to use his familiarity with their tactics to neutralize them.
“Kenya is always defending well and depending on counterattacks, so we have to be focused and be with the ball all the time. As coach, Kenya is an opponent I know something about, and I will use that to plan for my team as we eye the maximum number of points,” he added.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is preparing for his first match in charge.
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Harambee Stars goalkeeper trainer Moeneeb Josephs has hit out at the South African giants for not showing respect and sportsmanship following their recent league loss.
The South African tactician, who has already assembled his final 23-man squad in Abidjan, will be hoping McKinstry’s inside knowledge does not prove to be a decisive factor.
The match promises to be a thrilling tactical showdown, with McKinstry determined to haunt his former hosts while McCarthy seeks a winning start to his tenure.
With both sides eager for victory, all eyes will be on Abidjan as the two coaches look to make their mark.
