The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has named Johnny McKinstry as the head coach of its men’s senior team. The Northern Irishman, known for leading Gor Mahia to consecutive Kenyan league titles, has signed a two-year contract set to begin on 1 June. McKinstry, 38, is tasked with guiding the Scorpions to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
McKinstry’s first tests as coach will come in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Seychelles and Gabon on 8 and 11 June, respectively. The Gambia currently sits fifth in Group I, having lost their initial matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
BBC Sport Africa reports that former England centre-back Sol Campbell and ex-Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure were also considered for the position. McKinstry brings with him extensive international experience, having previously managed Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and Uganda.
His predecessor, Tom Saintfiet, achieved notable success by leading The Gambia to their first Nations Cup and securing consecutive qualifications. The Scorpions reached the quarter-finals in their debut at the postponed 2021 edition, losing to hosts Cameroon, and exited at the group stage in the 2023 tournament. Saintfiet resigned after their final group match, leaving behind a legacy of improving their world ranking by 42 places over six years.
The Confederation of African Football has yet to announce the draw for the 2025 Nations Cup qualifying groups. The qualifiers are expected to be held in September, October, and November this year, with the finals scheduled to take place in Morocco next year.
After achieving a second Kenyan title, McKinstry reflected on his tenure at Gor Mahia, one of Africa’s most storied clubs, despite initial warnings about the job’s risks. “People inside and outside of Kenya said ‘You do not want to take the Gor Mahia job now’,” McKinstry shared in an interview on the club’s YouTube channel. He highlighted the challenges faced, including a lack of players, reliance on youth academy talent, and transfer bans. Despite these hurdles, McKinstry expressed pride and satisfaction with his achievements, noting the valuable lessons and happiness gained from his experience.
