Although with some unexpected first-half problems, the Gambia beat Seychelles 5-1 in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers, and now they are just one point behind Kenya. In the first 45 minutes, Seychelles were an equal rival, but the Scorpions’ quality eventually prevailed. Anyway, it seems that both teams can be satisfied with this match. The Gambia got more than necessary three points and got back in the contest for the first two spots in Group F, especially after Ivory Coast defeated Gabon yesterday. On the other hand, Seychelles managed to finally find the net in this campaign.FT’ | The Gambia 🇬🇲 5-1 🇸🇨 SeychellesThe Scorpions begin a new era under Johnathan McKinstry with a commanding win over Seychelles on matchday 3 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Muhammed Badamosi with a brace, Musa Barrow, Yankuba Minteh, and debutant Adama Sidibeh each one. pic.twitter.com/eKzs68hPll— Foday Manneh (@foday_manneh_) June 8, 2024 Even before the game, it was clear that the Gambia was a firm favourite against Seychelles, which conceded as many as 14 goals in the first two rounds. The Gambia didn’t start these qualifiers well either since they also lost both of their games, but the Scorpions left a much better impression than today’s rivals. Accordingly, they started strong from the first whistle and had the first chance already in the sixth minute when Muhammed Badamosi hit the post from close range. However, the same player managed to break the deadlock in the 10th minute with a skilful header after Omar Gaye’s perfect cross. But then, the shock! Seychelles scored their first goal in this qualification campaign only four minutes later. Ryan Henriette used hesitance and confusion in the Gambia’s defence and levelled the score. The Scorpions’ best player, Musa Barrow, was practically invisible for almost the entire first half. He took his first shot at the rival’s goal only in the 39th minute when his strike went slightly wide of the post. Badamosi had the last goal-scoring opportunity in the added time, just before the break, but Ian Ah-Kong masterfully saved the strike from close range.2026WCQ: Firat’s tactical prowess falls short as Kenya struggles against BurundiThe home team, even though the game was played in Berkane, Morocco, which could also have affected its players, didn’t have a clear idea of how to break through the Seychelles defence. As time passed, the Scorpions became more and more nervous, while the away team focused on defending and counter-attacks. The Gambia’s coach, and former Gor Mahia manager, Johnathan McKinstry couldn’t have been satisfied.Nevertheless, the Gambia started the second half with new energy and got rewarded a penalty in the 52nd minute, after Badamosi went down in the box. Musa Barrow didn’t miss such a chance. Only three minutes later, the Gambia’ Yankuba Minteh found the back of the net after a well-executed counter-attack. The 66th minute brought another goal for the Scorpions. Barrow found Badamosi on the far post with a perfect cross, and the 25-year-old netted his second goal. However, McKinstry’s crew didn’t stop there. Adama Sidibeh made Ah-Kong pick the ball out of his net for the fifth time in the 78th minute with an ideal header. Afterwards, both teams couldn’t wait for the match to end, given that the winner was already known.In the end, The Gambia definitely proved to be an immeasurably better team, but the impression is that Seychelles remarkably improved compared to the first two games of the qualifiers. Both teams play their next-round matches on Tuesday. Seychelles “host” Burundi, again in Berkane, while the Gambia travels to Gabon. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8151606##
