Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh has given insights into what contributed to their big win against Harambee Stars in Nairobi on Friday.
Yankuba Minteh is one of the men who masterminded Harambee Stars downfall during their 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Nairobi on Friday but he insists it was a collective effort.
The Gambia surprised Kenya at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, securing a 3-1 win, with all their goals scored in the first half where they totally dominated their hosts and Brighton and Hove Albion winger Minteh was central to the win.
Minteh created the opening goal when Sheriff Sinyan headed in from his corner before he scored the second, completing a great move after Johnathan McKinstry’s men had intercepted a poor pass from Kenya’s defence.
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11:20 - 06.09.2025
Abud Omar Reveals What It Was Like to Face Brighton Forward Yankuba Minteh in World Cup Qualifier
The Harambee Stars defender admitted he did not know Yankuba Minteh before their World Cup qualifier clash, but their one-on-one duel turned into a memorable test.
He was involved in the third goal as he started the move that saw Adama Sidibeh set up Musa Barrow to score against the run of play after another turnover in possession from Kenya.
Minteh Shares How Gambia Brought Down Kenya
The winger says it was necessary to apply early pressure on Kenya but also watch their backs as Harambee Stars were capable of punishing them if they slackened.
“The defensive side was working really hard because Kenya is a very strong team and if you want to win a game, you must defend, not only attacking,” Minteh told Sports Eye.
18:06 - 05.09.2025
Brighton's Yankuba Minteh Shines as Gambia Stun Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars at Kasarani
Yankuba Minteh's impressive first half performance inspired Gambia to a 3-0 anhilation of Kenya's Harambee Stars at Kasarani Stadium on Friday afternoon.
“[It has to be] both sides, defending and attacking which we did well and I am very happy. This win will not take us to the World Cup but it will make next year’s AFCON easy for us. We have played a lot of games we did not win but today we won,” he added, explaining the importance of their win in Nairobi.
The Gambia have a home game coming up against Burundi on Tuesday and will want to exert their dominance again as they look to finish their qualifying campaign with a flourish.