McKinstry was speaking to journalists during Iftar organised by the Sports Journalists of The Gambia (SJAG) at a local restaurant in Fajara recently.
He stated that the Scorpions made a slow start to the continent’s biggest football showpiece qualified that hampered their qualification to the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations.
Mckinstry further stated that the Scorpions dominated Comoros Islands in their continent’s biggest football fiesta qualifier match, adding that his side had a very good game against Tunisia and created goal scoring chances.
‘‘We dominated Madagascar in their third group qualifier match and we secured a point, "Coach McKinstry said.
Mckinstry revealed that they have secured two points from their three opening qualifier matches.
He revealed that at the technical team were disappointed because they were expecting to bag atleast six points.
Mckinstry pointed out that they have defensive lapses and lack of concentration when attacking.
He further revealed that everyone was disappointed in terms of the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations.
“Looking at the performance of the team over the last six months, 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches and the two world Cup qualifier matches, we created many goal scoring chances than ever,” Coach Mckinstry said.
Mckinstry added that one of things he realised during the qualifier matches was that his side created chances more than ever.
He further added that in terms of build-up they were doing very well but they were not clinical enough in front of goal
“We need to make sure we are clinical.
When I reviewed the matches, I want the team to be more competitive in the midfield and try to defend on shot pieces,” Coach Mckinstry.
Mckinstry lamented that defending shot pieces was an issue during the qualifiers, adding that is not an excuse.
"The last few games we have been better but there is still need for improvement,” Coach McKinstry added.
