Gambia’s coach McKinstry supports Kenya’s McCarthy ahead of their World Cup qualifying match, noting a significant shift from a defensive to an attacking strategy. He emphasizes the difficulties Gambia will face against higher-ranked opponents like Kenya and Ivory Coast and aims to enhance team performance through these challenges.
Gambia’s McKinstry expresses confidence in Kenya’s new coach McCarthy ahead of their Group F World Cup qualifying match on March 20 at Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Ivory Coast. This encounter marks matchday five in the qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup, which will occur from June 11 to July 19. McCarthy, having recently signed a contract until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is anticipated to shift Kenya’s playing strategy towards a more aggressive approach.
McKinstry previously noted that under former coach Engin Firat, Kenya was defensive, focused on securing victories through set pieces rather than open play. However, he believes that McCarthy’s influence will bring a more attacking mentality to the team. “Kenya has drawn many matches in their previous 20 games, illustrating a defensive style of play,” McKinstry stated.
He acknowledged, “With McCarthy’s arrival, it is a new era in Kenyan football as his style historically emphasizes pressing and attacking play.” While he is familiar with Kenya’s players, McKinstry emphasized the uncertainty regarding McCarthy’s game plan for the match. “There is a little bit of the unknown entering the game against Kenya,” he explained.
Gambia is preparing for challenges in both the upcoming matches against Kenya and Ivory Coast, with McKinstry highlighting the importance of taking both encounters seriously. With Kenya ranked between 105 to 108 and Ivory Coast around 44 or 45, McKinstry is aware of the uphill battle his team faces. He emphasized, “Both teams represent significant challenges for us. We aim to improve our performance and reduce errors from recent games.”
The Scorpions sit fifth in their group with three points from four matches, while Kenya and Ivory Coast’s ranks above them add to the competitive nature of the qualifiers. Despite their position, McKinstry believes in the potential of his team to confront these formidable opponents effectively, aiming for six points across both matches.
In summary, Gambia’s head coach McKinstry anticipates a shift in Kenya’s football approach under new coach McCarthy, transitioning from a defensive strategy to a more offensive style. Both teams face important and challenging fixtures in the World Cup qualifiers, particularly against higher-ranked opponents such as Ivory Coast. McKinstry’s confidence in his team’s capabilities suggests a determined effort to improve their standings and performance in the ongoing qualification process.
Original Source: www.flashscore.com
