Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars, managed a 3-3 draw against Gambia with key contributions from debutants Mohamed Bajaber and William Lenkupae. Coach Benny McCarthy guided the team in a match that saw an initial Gambia lead, followed by a resilient comeback from Kenya. The team is set to face Gabon in their next match, offering a crucial home opportunity.
On Thursday, Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, played against Gambia in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers, resulting in a thrilling 3-3 draw in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Substitutes Mohammed Bajaber and William Lenkupae made significant impacts, both making their debuts and contributing to the dramatic game. This match also marked Benny McCarthy’s first encounter as the head coach of Kenya.
The match began with Kenya threatening Gambia’s defense as early as the 5th minute. Richard Odada narrowly missed a chance to score, followed by Michael Olunga’s header from a cross by Roonie Onyango that also went wide. Kenya dominated possession throughout the first half, showcasing their attacking prowess against Gambia.
A tense moment occurred in the 28th minute when Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno misjudged a rebound, resulting in a penalty for Gambia. However, Otieno redeemed himself by saving the penalty, thereby preventing Gambia from taking the lead. Just before halftime, the defense stayed resilient, with Eric Ouma clearing a dangerous ball.
During halftime, McCarthy bolstered the lineup by introducing William Lenkupae for Ishmael Gonzalez, seeking to infuse energy into the offensive play. The second half started with Gambia gaining momentum and scoring in the 54th minute through Musa Barrow, followed by another strike from Yankuba Minteh just five minutes later, putting Gambia 2-0 ahead.
In response to trailing, McCarthy made more substitutions, including Bajaber and Jonah Ayunga, aiming to strengthen their attacking efforts. Finally, Kenya’s persistence paid off; in the 67th minute, they earned a penalty which Olunga converted to make it 2-1. Following this, Mohammed Bajaber equalized at 2-2 in the 75th minute with a composed finish.
Gambia regained the lead in the 83rd minute with Barrow scoring his second goal. However, deep into extra time, the debutant William Lenkupae launched a dramatic equalizer after seizing a loose ball from Ouma’s throw-in, ending the match at 3-3.
After this match, Kenya holds 6 points from 4 games, while Gambia has 4 points and Gabon leads the group with 12 points. Kenya’s next challenge will be hosting Gabon at the Nyayo National Stadium, offering a crucial opportunity in their qualification campaign.
The match showcased an impressive performance from debuts Bajaber and Lenkupae, highlighting the potential for Harambee Stars under new coach Benny McCarthy. Despite initial setbacks, Kenya’s comeback reflects resilience as they prepare for their next home match against Gabon. The draw left Kenya with 6 points in their qualification journey, setting the stage for future competitiveness in the qualifiers.
Original Source: www.michezoafrika.com
