Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry is plotting a tactical ambush against Kenya’s Harambee Stars, leaning on his deep familiarity with Nairobi and Kenyan football from his successful spell at Gor Mahia.
McKinstry, who guided Gor Mahia to back-to-back league titles, has spent the past two weeks preparing his team in Kenya ahead of the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Kasarani Stadium. With the Scorpions sitting just one point behind Kenya in Group F, he believes every detail matters.
“It’s a city I know very well—an environment I’m very comfortable in,” McKinstry explained, while admitting that playing away in Africa presents its own challenges. His side has often been forced to play away from home due to the lack of a proper venue in Banjul, something he says has built resilience within the squad.
The Northern Irishman’s inside knowledge could prove invaluable. Having coached players like Rooney Onyango and Alpha Chris Onyango during his Gor Mahia tenure, McKinstry has insight into both the strengths and weaknesses of several Harambee Stars regulars. That background, coupled with his understanding of Kenya’s footballing culture, gives the Scorpions an edge that goes beyond scouting reports.
Still, he acknowledges the difficulty of facing Harambee Stars at Kasarani, where passionate home support creates one of the most daunting atmospheres on the continent. To counter that, McKinstry has drilled his players to remain calm, disciplined, and focused on structured defending while hitting on swift counterattacks.
A key concern for Gambia is adapting to Kenya’s new identity under Benni McCarthy. McKinstry admits that in the past, Kenya was more defensive-minded, often sitting back to absorb pressure. With McCarthy at the helm, however, the Stars are now expected to attack with more purpose, reflecting the coach’s pedigree as a former Manchester United strikers coach.
Both sides find themselves in must-win territory. Kenya sit on six points, one ahead of Gambia. A victory would push the Harambee Stars closer to nine, strengthening their position in the group, while a win for the Scorpions would leapfrog them into contention with seven.
For McKinstry and his players, the message is clear: they will fight to the final whistle, using discipline, preparation, and a bit of Nairobi familiarity to try and silence Kasarani.
