Harambee Stars’ coach Benni McCarthy aims to leverage the expertise of his foreign players for a critical World Cup qualifier against Gambia. The team’s lack of preparation time is a concern, but they remain optimistic. Gambia’s coach, Jonathan McKinstry, warns against underestimating his squad despite their current standings. Both coaches acknowledge each other’s team strengths, hinting at an intense match ahead.
Harambee Stars’ head coach Benni McCarthy is looking to utilize the skills of his foreign-based players for their upcoming match against Gambia at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The team arrived in Abidjan on Tuesday evening, gearing up for a critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, which McCarthy has termed a strategic challenge akin to a chess match.
McCarthy emphasized the importance of experience, stating, “The majority of the players I travelled with play for clubs outside the country and have previously worn the national jersey. I believe their experience will be useful when we face Gambia.” He also expressed his aspiration, saying, “Our goal is to get as many points as possible from this tie,” acknowledging Gambia as a formidable opponent.
The Harambee Stars squad included only four local players, as the coach had limited preparation time ahead of their match. Despite this, there is a shared optimism within the team. McCarthy noted that the squad was able to practice as a whole for the first time on Wednesday, enhancing their cohesion.
Currently, Kenya ranks fourth in Group ‘F’, trailing group leaders Ivory Coast by five points. McCarthy will lead his team against Jonathan McKinstry, Gambia’s coach who has experience in African football, notably with Gor Mahia in Kenya. McKinstry cautioned that Gambia should not be underestimated, stating that they maintain a mathematical chance of qualification.
The Gambian coach acknowledged Kenya’s talent pool, having previously observed their players in action. He remarked, “I must say Kenya is a talent-rich country because I have worked with and witnessed some of the players in action. We are prepared to win the crucial home points, but it will be a difficult game.”
Due to insufficient Caf-certified home fields, Gambia is currently hosting its home matches in Ivory Coast. However, McKinstry insisted that this logistical issue will not hinder their resolve to perform effectively in upcoming games.
In summary, Benni McCarthy’s strategic focus on his foreign-based players signifies a strong intent to achieve success against Gambia in the World Cup qualifiers. Despite challenges including limited preparation time and logistical issues, both teams recognize each other’s capabilities. The match is poised to be a competitive encounter, emphasizing the importance of experience and tactical acumen in securing vital points for qualifying purposes.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
