FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Gambia Coach Johnathan McKinstry Issues Bold Update Ahead of Harambee Stars Clash

The Gambia coach, Johnathan McKinstry, has shared an update concerning his players ahead of their clash with Harambee Stars on Friday, September 5, in a match set to be played at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.

The Gambia will be taking on Harambee Stars in their second leg match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, following their 3-3 draw in the first leg at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Ivory Coast.

This time around, Johnathan McKinstry will be going for nothing short of a win and being on familiar territory, he believes he knows what he needs to do to get things right.

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The Scorpions have been putting in the work and it can all be seen from Johnathan McKinstry’s recent social media post.

Johnathan McKinstry revealed that they have settled in well in Kenya and training is progressing nicely as they look forward to silencing Harambee Stars.

The veteran tactician is aware of the threat Harambee Stars hold, owing to the fact that most of the players included in the squad to face the Scorpions are fresh from playing at the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) where Kenya reached the quarterfinal.

With that in mind, The Gambia got into training immediately after landing in Kenya and have wasted no chance in making sure they polish every aspect of their training before D-Day.

With a series of photos shared, Johnathan McKinstry wrote: “Picking up the tempo on Day 2 of camp. Forward. Together.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers features the Ivory Coast, Gabon, Kenya, Gambia, Burundi and Seychelles.

At the moment, Gabon lead the group with 18 points, and according to the rules, the team that tops the group will earn direct qualification to the World Cup.

Ivory Coast are second with 16 points, as Burundi round up the podium with 10 points. Kenya are fourth with six points, ahead of The Gambia, who have four points. Seychelles have already been eliminated from the World Cup, having no points in sixth.

The second-place finisher will have a chance to progress through the second round and potentially secure a spot via the inter-confederation play-offs.

At the moment, Kenya and The Gambia cannot qualify directly but have the potential of advancing to the second round.