Gambia’s coach Johnathan McKinstry, previously a coach in Kenya, prepares for a World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars, led by Benni McCarthy. Their clash is set for Thursday and signifies the first official encounter between both teams. With McKinstry implementing an attacking approach, contrasting with the previous defensive strategies under former coach Tom Saintfeit, Gambia aims to secure points in the qualifiers while navigating challenges related to their hosting situation.
Gambia’s coach, Johnathan McKinstry, has significant experience within Kenyan football, having led Gor Mahia to two league titles and a Super Cup during his tenure from July 2022 to June 2024. Since his appointment as Gambia’s coach in June 2024, his understanding of Kenyan football is reinforced by previous roles coaching national teams in Rwanda and Uganda, where he faced Kenya four times, all ending in draws.
As he prepares for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Kenya, McKinstry is keen to face new Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. Their encounter will take place on Thursday at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, marking the first official match between Gambia and Kenya—a significant milestone for both teams.
Reflecting on his knowledge of Kenyan football, McKinstry has noted that under McCarthy, he expects a more dynamic and attacking style from Harambee Stars. “If you had asked me six months ago, I would have said that Kenya would play defensively… However, with McCarthy in charge, I do not think that will be the case,” he stated, showcasing his anticipation for a competitive match.
McKinstry’s adoption of attacking football represents a shift from the previous conservative tactics under former coach Tom Saintfeit, who enjoyed success despite fans’ discontent with the playing style. Gambian football enthusiasts now look forward to a more exhilarating style under McKinstry, who understands player selection consistency is crucial to earning fans’ trust.
McKinstry’s commitment to tracking player performance across various leagues reflects his dedication to forming a competitive team. “Gambia has over 200 players playing professionally… I make an effort to track their performances,” he said, highlighting his strategic approach for the upcoming qualifiers.
Despite Gambia hosting matches in neutral venues due to stadium approval issues, sports journalist Amadou Tamba expressed the unfairness of this situation, citing Gambia’s higher-quality facilities. Gambia has been engaging in match agreements with Morocco, allowing them to host their games more affordably.
As Gambia prepares for their match against Kenya, McKinstry exudes confidence in his team’s ability to secure points despite previous losses in the qualifiers. He acknowledged, “We still have a hill to climb… we have the quality to get six points from Kenya and Ivory Coast,” indicating optimism about his team’s capacity to perform effectively.
The contrast in squad composition indicates the disparity in the local leagues, with Kenya utilizing more domestic players while Gambia relies on international talent. McKinstry aims to strengthen Gambia’s domestic league and has been proactive in scouting local talent, despite not calling up any local-based players for this match.
Gambia’s squad includes players with strong overseas profiles, reflecting McKinstry’s focus on blending experience and youth. Young talents like 20-year-old Yankuba Minteh embody this approach, complementing the seasoned expertise of players like Captain Omar Colley, showcasing a commitment to nurturing upcoming football talent.
As Gambia’s preparations have coincided with Ramadan, adjustments have been made to accommodate fasting players. Training schedules and meal arrangements have been revised to optimize player performance while observing religious commitments. McKinstry also acknowledged the potential element of surprise from Kenya, despite his familiarity with their players.
In conclusion, Gambia’s upcoming match against Kenya presents a clash of styles under two evolving coaches, with McKinstry’s journey revisiting familiar turf. The encounter promises excitement as both teams vie for critical points in their World Cup qualification journey, with the outcome reflective of their respective progressions in football dynamics.
In summary, the upcoming match between Gambia and Kenya not only highlights coaching strategies adopted by McKinstry and McCarthy but also signifies the potential for both teams to redefine their playing styles. With Gambia’s focus on attacking football in contrast to Kenya’s evolving tactics, the encounter is set to be competitive and impactful in the context of World Cup qualifications. The overall evolution of Gambian football, particularly under McKinstry, could lead to notable improvements in their domestic league and national team performance moving forward.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
