Gambia will face Kenya in World Cup qualifiers on March 20th, with both teams eyeing vital points. New Kenyan coach Benni McCarthy is expected to introduce an attacking strategy, contrasting the previous defensive approach. McKinstry emphasizes the need for Gambia to perform at their best in this important fixture, which could shape the group’s dynamics as they also prepare to face Ivory Coast on March 24th.
The upcoming match between Gambia and Kenya in the World Cup qualifiers is set for March 20th at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Ivory Coast. This encounter marks matchday five for both nations as they vie for a place in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held from June 11th to July 19th. The match promises to be pivotal in the ongoing qualification campaign.
Benni McCarthy, the new head coach of Kenya, recently signed a contract extending until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. His strategic vision for the team contrasts with that of the previous coach, Engin Firat, whom McKinstry noted favoured a more defensive approach. McKinstry asserts that McCarthy’s influence heralds an attacking style that could change the dynamics of Kenyan football in their upcoming match against Gambia.
In addressing the upcoming match, McKinstry mentioned, “We have Kenya game coming up, and Kenya is an interesting one because…they have drawn a lot of football matches.” He anticipates that the Kenyan team will adopt a more aggressive playing style under McCarthy’s management, highlighting the coach’s reputation for fostering a forward-thinking mentality. McKinstry further commented on McCarthy’s tenure as a strikers coach at Manchester United, reflecting his commitment to a more prolific attacking game.
Despite familiarity with many Kenyan players, McKinstry acknowledged the unpredictability brought about by a new coach. He emphasized the need for Gambia to perform at their best to overcome a formidable opponent: “We have to be ready to go and take them on, we have to be at our very best and if we are, I am confident we can achieve the results we want.” Gambia seeks to correct past errors while enhancing their performance in the qualifying campaign.
Following the match against Kenya, Gambia will face the African champions, Ivory Coast, on March 24th. McKinstry expressed confidence in approaching both games with seriousness: “…both teams are ranked above us…we have to take both games very seriously.” He highlighted the home advantage Ivory Coast possesses, noting their record of victories in competitive matches at home since 2017. Gambia aims to challenge these historically strong teams while looking to improve their standings in the qualification process.
At present, Gambia is positioned fifth in Group F, with three points from four matches, trailing behind Ivory Coast, Gabon, Burundi, and Kenya. The approaching matches are crucial for Gambia’s hopes of advancing in the competition and improving their overall performance in international football.
In summary, Gambia’s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Kenya and Ivory Coast are critical as they seek to improve their standings and performance. Under the new leadership of Benni McCarthy, Kenya is expected to adopt a more dynamic attacking style, a change that could significantly impact the match outcome. McKinstry’s awareness of both teams’ strengths and weaknesses positions Gambia to face these challenges head-on in pursuit of valuable points in the qualifiers.
Original Source: www.flashscore.com
