Jonathan McKinstry: “Senegal will be big test for Gambia”

Head coach of the Gambia Johnathan McKinstry has admitted that playing against Senegal in an international friendly will be a big test for his charges.

The Scorpions will make the trip to Dakar on March 31 as guests of the Teranga who are currently grappling with Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy following CAF’s ruling on the final game.

McKinstry has named 23-man squad for friendly

McKinstry sees this match against Senegal as a true test against one of the best teams in Africa, an opportunity where his team will have to defend solidly while also taking advantage of opportunities to impose their style of play.

“When you go to the home of a team like Senegal, you have to be at your best, both defensively and offensively.

“There will be times when they dominate, and we will have to defend solidly. But we will also have our opportunities to impose our style of play and take control,” McKinstry said at a press conference this Wednesday on the occasion of the release of the list of 23 players selected for the friendly at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.

This match is Gambia’s only outing during this international window, as part of their preparation for upcoming competitions.

For Senegal, this match will be their second encounter in two years with their neighbor, following their group stage match at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Pape Thiaw’s Lions will play their first friendly against Peru in France, three days before hosting Gambia, to fine-tune their preparations for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Senegal are paired in Group I against France, Norway with the third opponent set to be determined by the inter-confederations playoffs.