Kenya, Gambia renew rivalry as World Cup qualifiers return

Harambee Stars will be seeking to keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive when they host Gambia in a Group F clash on Friday at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani from 4pm.

Kenya sit fourth in the pool with six points from six matches, having managed one win, three draws and two defeats. Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast lead the standings with 16 points, Gabon follow with 15, while Burundi are third on 10 points. With only four matches left, Stars are 10 points adrift of the automatic qualification spots, but head coach Benni McCarthy insists his charges will fight until the end.

Kenya began the campaign under former coach Engin Firat, losing 2-1 away to Gabon before bouncing back with a thumping 5-0 victory against Seychelles. They then drew 1-1 with Burundi and produced a spirited 0-0 stalemate against champions Ivory Coast.

McCarthy took charge midway and has overseen a 3-3 comeback draw against Gambia—where Kenya fought from 3-1 down—before falling 2-1 to Gabon in Nairobi. The South African tactician believes the experience of the first-leg encounter will help his team.

“We know Gambia are strong and very organized under Jonathan McKinstry,” McCarthy said. “They punished us with quick attacks in the first game, but this time we have studied them better. My focus is to keep the defense tight and use our pace up front to hurt them. We have to be smart, patient, and clinical.”

Kenya will draw confidence from their recent showing at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), where the local-based Stars reached the quarterfinals. With the return of international stars, including captain Michael Olunga, expectations are high among Kenyan fans.

Olunga believes playing at Kasarani will provide a huge boost. “It will be magical for us because it has been a long time since we had a proper home game here,” Olunga said. “Most of our qualifiers were played outside the country when our stadiums were banned. To return to Kasarani with our fans behind us will give us extra motivation.”

Kenya have only faced Gambia once in history, the meeting ending in a draw. This time, however, the visitors arrive with a coach who knows Kenyan football well. McKinstry, the Irish tactician, spent more than two years managing Gor Mahia in the FKF Premier League and will not be a stranger to the conditions at Kasarani.

Despite their position, McCarthy is hopeful of turning things around in the remaining matches. “The boys have shown character, especially in games against top teams like Ivory Coast and Gambia away,” he said. “If we bring the same energy and concentration at home, we can take all three points.”

With both sides under pressure to improve their standings, the clash promises to be a fiery contest. For Kenya, victory will not only keep their faint World Cup hopes alive but also give fans a taste of international football at Kasarani after a long wait.