Yankuba Minteh Headlines Gambia Squad to Face Kenya and Burundi in 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

The Gambia national team head coach Johnathan McKinstry has announced his final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Burundi.

The Scorpions, who currently find themselves second from bottom in Group F, are in desperate need of victories to revive their qualification hopes.

McKinstry has placed his faith in a blend of experience and youthful talent, with Brighton & Hove Albion star Yankuba Minteh and forward Musa Barrow expected to spearhead the attack.

The announcement comes on the back of a disappointing run in the qualifiers, where the Scorpions have struggled to turn promising performances into crucial wins.

The Gambia’s last two outings highlighted both promise and frustration. Against Kenya, the Scorpions twice surrendered their lead to settle for a 3-3 draw.

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Days later, a narrow 1-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire saw their dream of a maiden World Cup appearance dented further.

“When I say it’s not good enough, it’s not good enough from everybody. It’s not good enough from the players who play at a very high level of the game, but it’s not good enough for me. It’s not good enough from the staff. And we’ve got to get it right. So, yeah, it feels like a loss,” McKinstry told the press after the stalemate with Kenya.

The qualification math is stacked against The Gambia. Sitting on four points, they are 12 behind group leaders Côte d’Ivoire and 11 adrift of second-placed Gabon.

For any chance of progressing, the Scorpions must win all their remaining four matches while hoping Gabon falters and both Burundi and Kenya fail to cross the 15-point mark.

CAF’s new qualification format makes the journey even tougher. Only group winners will automatically qualify for the expanded 2026 finals, while the best four runners-up will enter a tense playoff battle for a single intercontinental slot.

The announced squad sees Ebrima Jarju, Sheikh Sibi, and Baboucarr Gaye competing for the goalkeeping spot.

Defensive stalwart Omar Colley leads a backline that also includes James Gomez, Sheriff Sinyan, and Momodou “Lion” Njie. In midfield, Ebou Adams and Jesper Ceesay are tasked with dictating play, while upfront, the firepower rests heavily on Musa Barrow and Minteh.

Forwards such as Adama Bojang, Ali Sowe, and Abdoulie Sanyang add depth, but it is Minteh’s presence that excites fans the most. The Brighton winger has been in fine form and is seen as the player capable of turning tight games in The Gambia’s favor.

Goalkeepers: Ebrima Jarju (Paide Linnameeskond, Estonia), Sheikh Sibi (Virtus Verona, Italy), Baboucarr Gaye (KF Shkëndija, North Macedonia)

Defenders: Omar Colley (Al-Diriyah FC, Saudi Arabia), Bubacar Sedi Kinteh, Momodou “Lion” Njie (KFUM-Kameratene Oslo, Norway), Sheriff Sinyan (CFR Cluj, Romania), James Gomez (Odense Boldklub, Denmark), Alagie Saine (AC Horsens, Denmark), Sainay Sanyang, Joseph Ceesay, Muhammed Sanneh

Midfielders: Ebou Adams, Abubakkr Barry, Mahamudu Bajo, Jesper Ceesay, Mouhamadou Drammeh

Forwards: Abdoulie Manneh, Musa Barrow (Al-Taawoun, Saudi Arabia), Alieu Fadera, Abdoulie Sanyang, Yankuba Minteh (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Adama Sidibeh, Adama Bojang, Ali Sowe