McKinstry identifies two advantages The Gambia possessed over Harambee Stars
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 06.09.25. | 18:08
The Scorpions secured a 3-1 away win following their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday, 5 September
The Gambia head coach, Jonathan McKinstry, has revealed two areas in which his team had an edge over Harambee Stars, leading to their massive victory.
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The Scorpions secured a 3-1 away win following their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday, 5 September, a match staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Three first-half goals from Sheriff Sinyan, Brighton & Hove Albion star Yankubah Minteh and Musa Barrow, who plies his trade in the Saudi Pro League, were all the Scorpions needed to complete a first-half demolition of Kenya.
Harambee Stars' lone goal was scored by Ryan Ogam in the 81st minute in what turned out to be a disappointing afternoon for Benni McCarthy and his boys.
Speaking during his post-match press conference, the Northern Irish tactician attributed the win to the difference in quality.
“If you look at our players we started and the ones we brought in, they have played in the Europa League and Champions League, and so we had good quality and players you could trust going into the match,” said McKinstry.
McKinstry, who won back-to-back FKF Premier League titles with Kenyan giants Gor Mahia before taking over The Gambia coaching role, also spoke of his knowledge of Kenyan players as a plus to his side.
“The Harambee Stars team had more domestic players, and so I knew exactly what any of the domestic players could do when they came on.
I know how Ogam plays, I know how Sylvester Owino plays, I know how Alpha Onyango plays, I know how Abud (Omar) plays, so this was also one of the advantages,” he added.
The 40-year-old went ahead and gave an example of what Alpha Onyango, whom he coached at K'Ogalo, could offer in the match.
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“Even when we saw Alpha come on, we knew he was going to make those diagonal passes, and if someone blocks them, then he is going to drive two or three meters and connect.
I know all these players because I helped them to reach that level,” he remarked.
The Gambia will play Burundi in their next match scheduled for Tuesday, 9 September at Nyayo National Stadium, Kenya, from 2200 hrs.
