The battle between Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma and Yankubah Minteh could be key in deciding the outcome of Harambee Stars’ crucial match against Gambia. With the dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup at stake, Harambee Stars must overcome significant challenges in the upcoming qualifier matches against The Gambia and Gabon.
The encounter against The Gambia is a must-win for Harambee Stars as they begin a new era under coach Benni McCarthy. The team aims to hit the ground running, making this fixture vital in their pursuit of World Cup qualification.
Amidst the anticipation surrounding McCarthy’s appointment, key battles on the pitch will determine the outcome. One of the most crucial matchups will see left-back Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma come up against Yankubah Minteh, one of the most in-form wingers currently playing in the English Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Both players possess exceptional speed and skill. Minteh, in particular, is a nightmare for defenders due to his magical left foot, which makes him difficult to mark. In one-on-one situations, the 20-year-old winger has proven to be highly dangerous. He recently showcased his talent against Chelsea, making their defender Marc Cucurella struggle to contain him during Brighton’s dominant 3-0 win.
To nullify Minteh’s impact, Marcelo must be mentally prepared and tactically sound. He will also require defensive support from the winger playing on his side to ensure they double up on Minteh when necessary. This level of coordination will be crucial in limiting Minteh’s effectiveness.
Marcelo, however, is not just a defensive asset but also a significant attacking threat. Given the freedom to overlap and surge forward, he can create problems for The Gambia’s defense. His pinpoint crosses into the opposition’s box will be aimed at Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, adding another dimension to Kenya’s attacking play.
Minteh, in turn, may be forced into defensive duties when Kenya dominates possession. Marcelo has demonstrated his attacking prowess with Rakow Czestochowa, where he has made 21 appearances this season, scoring once and providing three assists. Minteh, on the other hand, has recorded five goals and three assists since becoming a regular starter in February.
Marcelo must remain disciplined in preventing Minteh from delivering dangerous crosses. While Kenya’s defense, led by Joseph Okumu, has shown resilience, any lapse could be costly. Minteh’s ability to drift into central attacking positions makes him unpredictable, meaning Kenya’s defensive midfielder will need to track him closely to limit his influence.
Both teams are likely to adopt a tactical approach with fewer attacking forays. However, McCarthy has promised an exciting, attacking brand of football for Harambee Stars. To execute this vision successfully, he must craft a strategy that neutralizes Gambia’s strengths, with stopping Minteh being a key objective.
