Brighton Star Yankubah Minteh: Why Gambia Will Find it Hard Facing Harambee Stars at Kasarani Stadium
The Brighton winger is part of the Gambia squad set to take on Kenya's Harambee Stars at Kasarani Stadium this Sunday.
Brighton winger Yankubah Minteh believes Gambia will have to really labor to get a positive result at Kasarani Stadium when The Scorpions meet Kenya's Harambee Stars in their Group F 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter on Friday.
Both sides will be facing each other knowing that a win will do their slim chances of qualification a world of good, while hoping other results go in their favor.
The last time both teams faced each other, it was during Benni McCarthy’s debut game in charge of the side, with the game ending 3-3 in Ivory Coast - and Minteh was among the goalscorers.
‘Kenya Have the Advantage’
Now, they will be facing each other at Kasarani Stadium, and if the recently concluded African Nations Championships (CHAN) 2024 is anything to go by, it has proven a Harambee Stars side buoyed by strong home support is hard to beat.
Speaking to the media from the Kasarani Annex on Tuesday afternoon, Minteh explained why Gambia will find it tough.
“The approach is very important. It's an important game for Gambia. Although it's going to be a difficult one because Kenya have the home advantage, as I said earlier, and they have their home fans and stuff like that,” the former Newcastle winger said.”
Meanwhile, Minteh has given Kenyan footballers telling advice on what it takes to make it at the highest level.
[Harambee Stars Boss Benni McCarthy on Why He Snapped Up Real Sociedad's Job Ochieng Ahead of Gambia, Seychelles Tests
Harambee Stars Boss Benni McCarthy on Why He Snapped Up Real Sociedad's Job Ochieng Ahead of Gambia, Seychelles Tests](https://www.pulsesports.co.ke/harambee-stars/story/harambee-stars-boss-benni-mccarthy-on-why-he-snapped-up-real-sociedads-job-ochieng-ahead-of-gambia-seychelles-tests-2025090209303476016)
Minteh’s Journey and Advice
Minteh’s own journey from the sandy pitches of Serekunda to the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable.
Discovered in 2021, he signed for Odense Boldklub in Denmark, before Newcastle United swooped for him in 2023.
A loan spell at Feyenoord saw him net 10 league goals, including a Champions League strike against Celtic, before Brighton smashed their transfer record with a £30 million deal in July 2024.
[‘A Great Thing to See’ - Michael Olunga Lauds Local-Based Talent After Shining For Harambee Stars at CHAN 2024
‘A Great Thing to See’ - Michael Olunga Lauds Local-Based Talent After Shining For Harambee Stars at CHAN 2024](https://www.pulsesports.co.ke/harambee-stars/story/a-great-thing-to-see-michael-olunga-lauds-local-based-talent-after-shining-for-harambee-stars-at-chan-2024-2025090214072213008)
Now a full Gambia international with 15 caps and five goals, Minteh is seen as one of Africa’s brightest prospects. Asked about advice for young Kenyan players, he stressed the importance of faith, discipline, and work ethic.
“The most important thing is you have to focus and train hard. It’s not easy to get into the Premier League. Three or four years ago I was in Gambia, now I’m playing at the top level.
“The journey was really hard. For me, I focus on God first, then training, listening to your coaches, and knowing what to do. After God, everything is easy for you.”
With his fearless dribbling and electric pace, Minteh will be central to Gambia’s hopes, but he knows Kasarani’s intimidating atmosphere could tip the balance in favour of the Harambee Stars.