Harambee Stars Rely on Overseas Talent in Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Gambia
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is optimistic about leveraging the experience of foreign-based players in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Gambia. The team, arriving in Côte d’Ivoire, aims to secure crucial points despite limited preparation time. Gambia’s coach, Jonathan McKinstry, warns that his team should not be underestimated, and both teams prepare for a highly competitive match.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is relying on the expertise of his overseas players as they prepare to confront Gambia’s national team, the Scorpions, during a critical FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The team arrived on Tuesday evening, ready for this important match. McCarthy characterizes the upcoming encounter as a strategic contest, likening it to a chess game where calculated moves are essential.
McCarthy expressed confidence in his squad, saying, “The majority of the players I travelled with play for clubs outside the country and have previously worn the national jersey. I believe their experience will be useful when we face Gambia.” He aims to accumulate as many points as possible, acknowledging Gambia’s strengths while emphasizing that his team is equally determined to secure points.
The Harambee Stars’ roster for the match included only four local players who had recently trained with McCarthy. Despite the limited preparation time, optimism remains high. McCarthy noted, “the entire team, including the foreign-based stars, were up close for the first time on Wednesday during the final practice.”
Currently, Kenya occupies the fourth position in Group F with five points, trailing five points behind group leaders, Ivory Coast. In contrast, Gambia’s coach, Jonathan McKinstry, challenges the notion of underdogs; he believes that his team can compete effectively for points, stating, “Nobody should be duped into thinking we are the underdogs in Group ‘F’ just yet.”
McKinstry acknowledges Kenya’s talent-rich roster, having previously collaborated with some of its players. He remarked on the difficulty of the contest while expressing his determination to earn points, despite logistical issues forcing Gambia to play its home matches in Ivory Coast due to a scarcity of CAF-certified fields.
In conclusion, the upcoming match between Harambee Stars and Gambia is highly anticipated, with both teams demonstrating strong resolve and strategic approaches. McCarthy counts on the experience of his foreign players, while McKinstry warns against underestimating Gambia. The match is crucial for both teams as they aspire for better standings in Group F of the World Cup qualifiers.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
