Gambia Coach Spotted Enjoying Nyama Choma in Kenya Ahead of Harambee Stars Showdown in Kasarani

Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry was spotted sampling Kenya’s famous nyama choma at a joint in Kenya ahead of his team’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Harambee Stars at Kasarani.

McKinstry, who previously managed Uganda Cranes and Rwanda, was seen in the company former Gor Mahia staff members embracing the Kenyan culture just weeks before leading the Scorpions against Kenya. 

The sighting has quickly gone viral among fans, who joked that the tactician might be “softening up” before facing Stars on home soil.

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The Northern Irish coach is no stranger to East Africa, having built a strong reputation for his tactical acumen as manager of Gor Mahia, who he guided to back-to-back FKF Premier League titles in 2023 and 2024.

Kenya and Gambia are set to clash in what is already being billed as a high-stakes encounter in Group F of the CAF World Cup qualifiers. 

Harambee Stars, led by coach Benni McCarthy, will be looking to capitalize on home advantage at Kasarani, having drawn 3-3 away in Ivory Coast back in March, while McKinstry’s Scorpions will aim to upset the hosts and keep their World Cup dream alive.

Stars will host Gambia on Friday, September 5th, before facing Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9th.

Kenya faces a challenging qualification campaign but will be hopeful of making an impact, especially with home advantage against Gambia and Seychelles. They currently sit fourth in Group F on 6 points, with Ivory Coast sitting top of the group on 16 points.

Kenya will have to win all their remaining games and hope other results go in their favor if they are to stand a chance of at least even making the playoffs in November.

These fixtures present an opportunity to build momentum and strengthen their position in the group standings.