The Scorpions return to the Independence Stadium for the first time since 2019 as The Gambia open their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with a home clash against Somalia, the Ocean Stars, on Friday, September 25 before travelling to Accra to face Ghana on 29 September.
Jonathan McKinstry, whose contract was recently extended, begins his second qualifying campaign in charge of The Gambia. His first campaign ended with the Scorpions finishing third behind Comoros and Tunisia, as they missed out on the previous edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. The objective this time is clear: return to the continent’s biggest football showpiece in 2027.
McKinstry will, however, have to work without Adama Sidibeh, Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh. Minteh has previously sat out two matches for the Scorpions. The Slovan Bratislava duo of Alasana Yirajang and Suleiman Camara have made the squad, while Joseph Colley is the only debutant. Muhammed Badamoesi, Ebrima Colley. Ibou Touray and James Gomez are among those returning to the squad.
Avoiding complacency
“We told the boys to give their very best and, most importantly, to show the best version of themselves.” Jonathan McKinstry
One of the biggest concerns whenever The Gambia face teams considered less fancied is complacency, from both players and supporters. Recent results have shown that the Scorpions cannot afford to underestimate opponents.
Matches such as Gambia 1–0 South Sudan, South Sudan 2–3 Gambia, Burundi 3–2 Gambia, Gambia 3–3 Kenya and Madagascar 1–1 Gambia were all encounters in which The Gambia went into the game with expectations of taking points yet were forced into difficult and often end-to-end contests.
Somalia may still be developing as a footballing nation, but they are building a competitive team and could cause problems in Group C. For The Gambia, collecting six points from the two meetings with Somalia would provide an important platform in the qualification race.
“We are not underdogs. We are here to compete. Even within our group, we do not see ourselves as underdogs.” Somalia Assistant coach
There is also pressure on McKinstry to address The Gambia’s defensive issues.
The Scorpions have kept just three clean sheets in their last 10 matches in all competitions. Set pieces have been a particular concern, with the majority of the goals conceded during this period coming from dead-ball situations.
The attacking unit possesses enough quality to score goals, but conceding too frequently is unsustainable against opponents capable of being clinical in front of goal.
The defensive options are relatively healthy, with only Abubacarr Kinteh and Sheriff Sinyan missing. Ibou Touray’s return provides another option for McKinstry.
McKinstry is expected to retain his preferred 3-4-3 formation.
The system gives him the option of using Ebou Adams or Saïdou Khan in midfield, two players capable of dictating the tempo, controlling possession and providing defensive protection in front of the back three.
The Gambia’s biggest victory in recent times came in a 7–0 win over Seychelles, and supporters returning to the Independence Stadium will be hoping for another convincing performance. Three points, a clean sheet and a disciplined performance would give McKinstry and his players the perfect start to their AFCON 2027 qualification journey.
MATCH SCHEDULE | AFCON 2027 QUALIFIERS
Group C
🇬🇲 Gambia vs Somalia 🇸🇴
📅 Date: Friday, 25 September 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 16:00
🏟️ Venue: Independence Stadium, Bakau
🏆 Competition: AFCON 2027 Qualifiers — Group C
TV STATIONS – GRTS , BEINSPORTS
