2026 WCQ: Ex-Gor Mahia coach McKinstry names Gambia squad to face Harambee Stars
By Kiplagat Sang, March 14, 2025Former Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has named The Gambia squad that will take on Harambee Stars in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Azam FC’s forward Gibril Sillah has been handed a first-ever national call-up as the Scorpions prepare to host Kenya on March 20. Sillah has scored seven goals for his Tanzanian club, where he has also provided three assists in the Premier League in the ongoing season.
After playing Kenya, The Gambia will face African champions Ivory Coast in the next qualifier on March 24 in Abidjan.
The Gambia have not had an impressive qualifying campaign, as they are second from bottom in Group F, where they have collected three points from four matches.
Ebrima Colley, who has been in rather good form for Swiss Super League side Young Boys, has not been included in the 24-man squad. James Gomez, Adama Bojang, and Ibou Touray, along with Real de Banjul captain Lamin Saidy, have not been called up either.
The squad
Goalkeepers: Ebrima Jarju (Paide), Sheikh Sinyan (Virtus Verona), Musa Dibaga (Inverness Caledonian Thistle)
Defenders: Omar Colley (Poak), Omar Gaye (Francavilla), Lars Joseph Ceesay (Cesena), Dadi Dodou Gaye (BYRNE), Momodou Lion Njie (KFUM), Sheriff Sinyan (CFR Cluj)
Midfielders: Saikou Touray (Grenoble), Ebrima Adams (Derby County), Abubakr Barry (Austra Wien), Alasana Manneh (Hibernians), Mahmudu Bajo (DAC 1904), Ebrima Darboe (Frosinone), Ablie Jallow (FC Metz)
Strikers: Musa Barrow (Al Taawoon), Alieu Fadera (Como), Gibril Sillah (Azam FC), Yankuba Minteh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Abdoulie Sanyang (Hadjuk Split), Ali Sowe (Rizespor), Abdoulie Ceesay (St Pauli), Alassana Jatta (Notts County)