Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Gambia Scorpions head coach Johnathan McKinstry has praised his players’ quality and discipline following their emphatic 3-1 away victory over Kenya in Friday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Speaking in his post-match analysis, McKinstry highlighted the gulf in player development between the two countries, noting that Gambia’s growing European-based talent pool was decisive in the encounter.

“There’s a quality difference there between Kenya and Gambia at the moment, and sometimes people ignore that and just look at the names,” McKinstry said. “Gambia is maybe a small country of one and a half million people, but we’ve got over 200 footballers playing in Europe. That’s what Kenya aspires to have.”

The coach was, however, quick to credit the Harambee Stars’ resilience, describing them as one of the hardest-working teams on the continent.

“This Harambee Stars team, I don’t know that there’s a team in Africa that works harder,” he said. “Even when it’s 3-0 down, they’re still running, still fighting. That’s a huge credit to their coaches and the character of the players.”

McKinstry explained that Gambia’s strategy was first to match Kenya’s intensity before allowing their superior technical quality to take control of the game. The Scorpions scored three first-half goals, showcasing clinical finishing and composure under pressure.

“In the second half, it was probably harder than it needed to be at 3-0 at halftime,” McKinstry admitted. “We were disappointed to concede, but overall we’re really pleased. Anywhere in Africa, it’s incredibly hard to win and pick up points, especially with a capacity crowd like today.”

The victory marks a strong start for what McKinstry described as a “new team” as the Scorpions continue their quest for a maiden World Cup appearance.