Abud Omar Reveals What It Was Like to Face Brighton Forward Yankuba Minteh in World Cup Qualifier

The Harambee Stars defender admitted he did not know Yankuba Minteh before their World Cup qualifier clash, but their one-on-one duel turned into a memorable test.

Harambee Stars defender Abud Omar has made a shocking revelation after going head-to-head with Brighton forward Yankuba Minteh during the second leg of the World Cup qualifier match between Kenya and The Gambia at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Aboud Omar featured for the full match, facing off against the highly-rated Yankuba Minteh in what he described as an eye-opening experience.

The Kenya Police FC defender admitted he knew little about the Gambian forward since he rarely follows the English Premier League.

Abud Omar, however, praised Minteh’s quality, acknowledging that he gave him a tough challenge, but added that in the second half, he stepped up and ensured the striker also felt his presence.

“He is a good player, for me, you know, I don’t watch the English Premier League, so I just came and realised now. He is a good player, and has the quality…I’ve seen it,” Abud Omar revealed after the match.

“I’ve gone with him one-on-one; he won some battles, I won some, at the end of the day, I’m proud of what I did. At the end of the day, I play for the Kenyan Premier League, he plays in the English Premier League, so I did my best.”

Abud Omar added that after conceding three goals in the first half, it was difficult for them to make a comeback in the second half, and equalise or even win the match.

Sheriff Sinyan placed The Gambia in the lead with a 12th-minute strike before Yankuba Minteh found the back of the net in the 26th minute. Musa Barrow added another goal in the 38th minute.

Ryan Ogam, coming in as a second-half substitute, scored the consolation goal for Harambee Stars in the 81st minute.

“We got scored three goals in the first half, so coming back was a mountain to climb…we did our best in the second half, we dominated, but it was too late. As I said, we need to rectify the mistakes and not concede, and we have to score first,” Abud Omar admitted.

Harambee Stars are now gearing up for a clash against wounded Seychelles on Tuesday, August 9, and all eyes will be on them to deliver.

Seychelles have yet to win a match in their campaign so far, and have already been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with their latest match ending in a 4-0 loss to Gabon.