Flying start for ex-Gor Mahia coach Mckinstry at Gambia, Cameroon thrash Cape Verde in WCQ
Former Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry started his tenure with Gambia on a high note as the team unleashed a goal-scoring spree to clinch their first victory of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, defeating Seychelles 5-1 at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Saturday.
This match marked McKinstry's first competitive outing with the team, and the resounding triumph sees Gambia rise in Group F, while Seychelles remain without points after three matches.
Mckinstry's side dominance
The hosts asserted their dominance early, with Muhammed Badamosi opening the scoring in the 10th minute by nodding home from the center of the box following a precise cross from Omar Gaye. 
Seychelles briefly threatened a comeback when Ryan Henriette finished clinically from the center of the box in the 14th minute. However, the first half ended level at 1-1, with Gambia appearing the more dominant side.
The second half saw Gambia shift into another gear. Just three minutes after the restart, Musa Barrow converted a penalty with a powerful shot to the high center of the goal, restoring Gambia's lead.
Yankuba Minteh extended the advantage in the 55th minute, rifling a right-footed shot from the center of the box, with Barrow providing the assist.
Gambia's relentless attack continued to bear fruit in the 66th minute when Badamosi headed home his second of the match, again assisted by Barrow, making it 4-1.
The final nail in Seychelles' coffin came in the 78th minute, with Adama Sidibeh nodding in from the center of the box after a well-placed cross from Alasana Manneh.
Despite their efforts, Seychelles struggled to contain Gambia's onslaught, and several substitutions by both teams did little to change the momentum of the match.
Gambia's comprehensive victory provides a significant morale boost as they prepare to face Gabon on Tuesday, while Seychelles will need to regroup quickly as they host Burundi, seeking their first points of the campaign.
Cameroon delivered a scintillating performance, roaring to a resounding 4-1 victory over Cape Verde in their 2026 African World Cup qualifier at the Stade Omnisport Roumdé Adjia on Saturday.
The Indomitable Lions showcased their attacking prowess, surging to the top of Group D with an impressive seven points, level with Libya but boasting a superior goal difference.
The hosts wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Michael Ngadeu opening the scoring in the 13th minute. His powerful header from the center of the box was expertly assisted by Moumi Ngamaleu, setting the tone for Cameroon's offensive onslaught.
Captain Vincent Aboubakar doubled the lead in the 25th minute, finishing clinically from the center of the box after another precise assist from Ngamaleu.
Cape Verde briefly threatened a comeback when Jamiro Monteiro netted from close range in the 37th minute, but the Indomitable Lions swiftly restored their two-goal cushion.
Aboubakar confidently converted a penalty in the 44th minute after Cape Verde's defense was caught napping, ensuring Cameroon took a 3-1 lead into the halftime break.
The second half saw no let-up from the rampant hosts, as Nouhou Tolo headed in from the center of the box in the 54th minute, assisted by Ngadeu, making it 4-1 and effectively sealing the victory for the Indomitable Lions.
Cameroon resolute
Cape Verde made several substitutions in a bid to claw their way back into the match, but Cameroon's defense remained resolute, thwarting any potential comeback.
The final stages witnessed a flurry of substitutions and bookings, with Carlos Baleba and Jackson Tchatchoua of Cameroon receiving yellow cards. 
The comprehensive victory propels Cameroon to joint top of Group D alongside Libya, setting the stage for their crucial clash against Angola in Luanda on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Cape Verde, who host Libya in their next match, will need to regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.
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