Brighton’s Yankubah Minteh is among the players former Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry has called up as he prepares The Gambia for crucial games against Kenya’s Harambee Stars and reigning African champions Ivory Coast.
Brighton’s Yankubah Minteh has been included in The Gambia’s provisional squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Ivory Coast.
Head coach Johnathan McKinstry – who previously coached Gor Mahia – announced the squad as part of preparations for these crucial matches.
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Benni McCarthy names a 32-man Harambee Stars squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon, blending experience and youth.
The 20-year-old winger has been making waves in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion since signing from Newcastle United.
Known for his pace, technical ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals, Minteh’s inclusion is seen as a significant boost for The Gambia.
His performances at both club and international levels have showcased his potential to be a game-changer, and fans will be eager to see how he contributes to the team’s campaign.
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Djed Spence’s continued absence from the England national team had seen the Tottenham Hotspur defender linked with a switch of allegiance to Kenya’s Harambee Stars.
Apart from Minteh, McKinstry has also named Alasana Yirajang, Sheriff Sinyan and Gibril Sillah
McKinstry, who has a deep understanding of Kenyan football from his time coaching Gor Mahia, will have conducted his prior research before facing Benni McCarthy’s charges, with the South African naming upto seven players from K’Ogalo in his provisional 50-man-squad.
The Scorpions gaffer will trim the squad down to 23 on Thursday, 13th March in a press conference to be held at Football House in Kanifing.
The Gambia faces a challenging task in their quest for World Cup qualification, with matches against strong opponents like Kenya and Ivory Coast.
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Before leaving Gor Mahia at the end of June 2024, McKinstry had explained how he would be preparing his charges for when they face Kenya both at home and away.
He acknowledged his long-term hope for the Harambee Stars’ success but stressed the immediate competitive nature of their upcoming encounters.
“In the long term, I hope to see the Kenya national team and especially the players I’ve worked with do well,” McKinstry told Gor Mahia TV.
“However, in the short term, that isn’t my objective because Gambia and Kenya are in the same World Cup qualifying group. So, it won’t be long until I’m back here in the away dugout, hopefully at Kasarani once it’s renovated,” he added.
“I wish Harambee Stars all the very best. I understand it’s a challenging job. And yeah, I hope they win six of their remaining eight World Cup qualifiers. But I’m sorry to tell you that I intend to take six points when we come back with Gambia,” he concluded.
As the qualifiers approach, all eyes will be on McKinstry’s squad and their preparations. The Gambia’s fans will be hoping that the team’s blend of talent and strategy will lead them to success on the international stage.
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