Harambee Stars draw 3-3 with The Gambia in Benni McCarthy’s debut as head coach. Kenya showed resilience, equalizing multiple times through goals by Olunga, Bajaber, and debutant Lenkupae. Defensive issues were evident, needing improvement ahead of their next match against Gabon.
Harambee Stars, under new head coach Benni McCarthy, faced The Gambia in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier, held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast. This first game for McCarthy is aimed at closing the gap on Group F leaders, Ivory Coast, and reviving Kenya’s World Cup aspirations. Despite their effort, the Stars settled for a 3-3 draw after coming back three times against The Gambia.
In this match, Kenya is placed fourth in Group F, needing to improve their performance to have a shot at qualification. The Gambia’s coach, Johnathan McKinstry, leads a team well-versed in their tactics. Both teams were eager, with the Stars looking for their first win after previously crushing Seychelles 5-0 in the same venue.
During the match, debutant William Lenkupae scored a last-minute goal, ensuring Kenya secured a draw. Other notable plays included Michael Olunga converting a penalty and Mohammed Bajaber managing his first national goal, showcasing the emerging talent in the Kenyan squad. Gambia took the lead multiple times, with Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh scoring but were ultimately thwarted by Kenya’s resilience.
Both teams displayed intense defense and attacking strategies throughout the game, with Kenya’s goalkeeper Ian Otieno making pivotal saves, including a crucial penalty stop against Barrow. McCarthy now faces the substantial task of solidifying Kenya’s defense ahead of their upcoming game against Gabon.
The initial matchup indicated areas needing improvement for the Stars, particularly in defensive coordination, to enhance their performance in the next qualifying rounds. The creativity and tenacity shown by debutants like Lenkupae give a glimpse of potential positives moving forward in the campaign.
Harambee Stars began their campaign under coach Benni McCarthy with a hard-fought 3-3 draw against The Gambia. While the team managed to equalize multiple times, issues in defense must be addressed before their next match against Gabon. The debut of William Lenkupae and the scoring of Mohammed Bajaber highlight the team’s potential, yet consistency and defensive stability are crucial for future success in the qualifiers.
Original Source: www.mozzartsport.co.ke
