McKinstry backs McCarthy despite Gambia’s 3–1 win over Harambee Stars
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 07.09.25. | 08:40
The first leg clash, which ended in a 3-3 draw, was the Kenyan tactician's debut match
The Gambia head coach Jonathan McKinstry believes Benni McCarthy is the right man to lead Harambee Stars forward despite Friday night’s 3–1 defeat at Kasarani Stadium.
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Speaking after masterminding the Scorpions’ ruthless win, the former Gor Mahia coach praised the South African for the strides made in a short period.
"I was a little outspoken during my time here, but I think Kenya absolutely have the right coach,” McKinstry said.
"It’s important to get behind him. He is hugely experienced and has been here for only eight or nine months, with just 20 to 30 training sessions. That’s not enough time, but you can already see the progress. Kenya are going to be a big team in the years to come.”
McCarthy, who took charge in March, previously served as forwards coach at Manchester United and led AmaZulu to a historic second-place finish in South Africa’s Premier League, guiding them to the CAF Champions League group stage in 2022.
He inherited a side in transition after the sacking of Turkish coach Engin Firat and quickly won Kenyan hearts with his attacking philosophy, highlighted by a thrilling 3–3 draw against Gambia in his debut match.
His stock rose further when he steered Harambee Stars to the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) last month, beating DRC, Morocco, and Zambia, and drawing with Angola to top the so-called “group of death.”
But Friday’s humbling at Kasarani was a reality check.
Kenya’s defence was in disarray as Sheriff Sinyan, Yankuba Minteh, and Musa Barrow struck in the first half to silence the capacity crowd.
Substitute Ryan Ogam scored late, but the damage was done.
Reflecting on the win, McKinstry admitted to exploiting his familiarity with Kenyan players from his Gor Mahia days:
"We weren’t on the training pitch for more than an hour and 10 minutes because we needed to conserve energy.
Knowing many of their domestic players gave us an edge, I knew how Ogam, Sylvester (Owino), and Alpha (Onyango) play. That was a one-off advantage.”
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Gambia now shift focus to Burundi, while Kenya face Seychelles, both matches set for Tuesday at Nyayo and Kasarani respectively.
