World Cup (Q): Gambia coach McKinstry sings praise of four goal Aubameyang

Gambia national team coach Johnathan McKinstry praised the performance of Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he single handedly downed his side in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at Kasarani Stadium.

The former Arsenal striker and captain scored four goals, two in either half, to sink the Scorpions 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller. His performance was, however, tainted after he was sent off in the 86th minute for a second bookable offence.

Speaking after the Group F game, the former Gor Mahia coach admitted that the 36-year-old had made the difference and further conceded defeat.

‘He has shown than over the last 15 years’

“It is no doubt that Aubameyang is a world class player and he has shown that over the last 15 years, but it was another good day for him, look the last time we played he scored one goal, and we locked him down in that game, but again we didn’t like to lose, like we did,” McKinstry said as quoted by Flashscore.

“Look, we did a lot of things really good, but I think probably the big difference in the game was, we have got really some quality at the back, but look they are young ones, they 19 years-old, 21, to 22 years-old, we have only two experienced defenders out there, and one of them was suspended.”

He concluded: “But all the three young defenders are going to be top players, it was the first time they played together, and against a top striker like Aubameyang, he was able to find those little gaps against a defence that hadn’t played together before, that is not an excuse but that is how the game is.”

Following the red card, he will miss their final qualifier against Burundi on Tuesday.

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