Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has opened up about the deep connection he still feels with Kenya after returning to Kasarani Stadium, where his team defeated Harambee Stars 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier.
McKinstry, who enjoyed a successful stint at Gor Mahia between 2022 and 2024, winning back-to-back FKF Premier League titles, admitted that stepping back into Kasarani stirred powerful memories. For him, the occasion went far beyond securing three crucial points on the road.
“I didn’t come back to prove a point. For me, I feel at home here. Kenya was very kind to me. I came here, worked extremely hard, and I hope people saw that during my time. I built relationships that still last to this day,” he said after the match.
The coach revealed that he maintained a ritual from his Gor Mahia days walking around the pitch before kick-off. He explained that the tradition had brought him luck during his tenure in Kenya, and he decided to repeat it before guiding Gambia to victory at the same venue.
On the pitch, Gambia’s plan unfolded seamlessly. Sheriff Shinyan opened the scoring from a Yankuba Minteh corner, before Minteh doubled the advantage on a swift counterattack. The Brighton winger later turned provider, setting up Musa Barrow to capitalize on a defensive lapse for the third goal. Kenya pulled one back through Ryan Ogam late in the match, but the contest had already been settled.
Despite handing Kenya a tough defeat, McKinstry highlighted the resilience shown by Harambee Stars, praising their determination to keep pushing even when the game appeared out of reach. He also reflected on the lasting friendships he built during his Gor Mahia tenure, stressing that many of his closest bonds in football remain with staff and colleagues in Kenya.
For McKinstry, the victory was as much about showcasing the progress of his young Gambian squad as it was about reconnecting with a country that embraced him. His parting words captured the balance between competition and affection: Kenya may have been the opponent, but it is also a place he still considers special.
