Gambia coach Johnathan McKinstry, who previously coached Gor Mahia, is now coaching a talented group of players, including Brighton’ Yankuba Minteh.
Former Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has showered praise on the quality of players at his disposal as the head coach of the Gambia national team.
McKinstry, who took charge of the West African nation last June, recently guided them to qualification for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) set to be held in East Africa this August.
However, the Scorpions narrowly missed out on a third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearance.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has set high expectations for his fellow South African Benni McCarthy who was recently appointed Harambee Stars coach.
Now, McKinstry is gearing up his squad for crucial fixtures against Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Ivory Coast on March 20 and 24, respectively, as part of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
Despite sitting fifth in Group F with only three points, he remains optimistic about Gambia’s potential and has issued a strong warning to their opponents.
“The Gambia job is a particularly appealing one because of the vast untapped potential,” McKinstry told Sky Sports last November.
“We are lowly ranked purely because historically we have been lowly ranked. If you look at the value of the squad, where the players are playing their football, it is a high level.”
)
Kenya has been dealt a blow in its ambitious multi-billion Talanta stadium project earmarked for AFCON 2027 with audit revealing millions lost.
Among the standout names in his squad is Yankuba Minteh, who is currently making waves in the English Premier League with Brighton.
Other notable players include Ebou Adams of Derby County, Adama Bojang at Reims, and the experienced Assan Ceesay, who plies his trade with Damac FC. The attacking department also benefits from Alieu Fadera’s versatility and Ablie Jallow’s creativity.
Defensively, the Scorpions boast the experience and leadership of captain Omar Colley, alongside James Gomez, while Baboucarr Gaye has been a reliable presence in goal.
McKinstry is also encouraged by the promising young players coming through the ranks, particularly the next generation that reached the knockout stages of the U20 World Cup.
)
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has recalled one forgotten deender who has been out of the team since 2021.
“We have a really exciting group of players, lads not even on the radar yet, so we are eager to keep that momentum up and give these players a platform,” he stated.
McKinstry also highlighted the sheer number of Gambian professionals making an impact across Europe.
“I happened to run into Michael O’Neill, the Northern Ireland manager, and I told him we had got about 160 professionals playing in Europe, 50 in top-tier divisions, getting 90 minutes most weeks. The look on his face told me he would give his right hand for that.”
His mission is to implement a style of play that aligns with the quality of talent available, shifting from the traditional defensive, counter-attacking approach to a more expansive, attacking brand of football.
“They want to go toe-to-toe as they put it. It is a big change for the team compared to how they were playing previously with a low-block and counter-attacking.”
As Gambia prepares to face Harambee Stars, McKinstry’s confidence in his squad’s ability signals a tough challenge ahead for Kenya.
With their blend of experienced campaigners and rising stars, the Scorpions could prove to be formidable opponents in their pursuit of a World Cup dream.
