Harambee Stars brought down to earth by Gambia at Kasarani
Harambee Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualification hopes took a huge hit on Friday after they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Gambia at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The result left many fans frustrated and disappointed, especially after the national team had been praised for its strong performance at the just-concluded CHAN tournament.
The hype around Kenya’s return to Kasarani, powered by the famous “red and white army” of fans, ended in heartbreak as Gambia, coached by former Gor Mahia tactician Jonathan McKinstry, punished the hosts with ruthless efficiency.
Inspired by Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, the visitors exposed Kenya’s fragile defense with quick counter-attacks and clinical finishing.
Romania-based defender Sheriff Sinyan opened the scoring in the 12th minute, heading home from a corner after being left unmarked. Saudi Arabia’s Musa Barrow doubled the advantage in the 25th minute before Minteh added the third with a powerful strike in the 38th minute.
Kenya’s consolation came late in the second half when Ryan Ogam, a CHAN hero, came off the bench to slot past goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye in the 81st minute.
The loss saw Gambia leapfrog Kenya to fourth in Group F with seven points. Kenya remain stranded with six points, behind leaders Gabon (18), Ivory Coast (16), and Burundi (10).
Stars actually began the match brightly, with Timothy Ouma, Richard Odada, and Duke Abuya dictating play in midfield. Emmanuel Osoro set up William Lenkupae early on, but his shot flew inches wide. Minutes later, Gambia’s goalkeeper Gaye almost gifted Kenya a goal with a poor clearance, but Sainey Sanyang cleared under pressure.
That early dominance faded quickly after Sinyan’s opener. Errors at the back became common, with Barrow and Minteh constantly testing Bryne Omondi in goal. Olunga, meanwhile, was kept quiet, his only notable chance a tame header in the 20th minute.
By halftime, Kenya were 3-0 down, their defense repeatedly caught out of position. Coach Benni McCarthy responded with quick changes after the break, bringing on CHAN standouts Manzur Okwaro and Alpha Onyango, who steadied the midfield. The substitutions improved Kenya’s play, with Olunga and Onyango both going close and Abuya having a goal ruled out for offside.
But the damage had already been done. Gambia slowed the game down and absorbed Kenya’s pressure. When Ogam finally pulled one back in the closing stages, it was too little to change the result.
The defeat has sparked heated debate among Kenyan fans. Many questioned McCarthy’s decision to overhaul the CHAN squad that had impressed just a week ago, replacing them with foreign-based players who looked unsettled.
Only Abud Omar, Sylvester Owino, and goalkeeper Bryne Omondi started from the CHAN lineup. Fans on social media argued that the CHAN players had shown better teamwork and deserved more trust.
“CHAN squad is way better than this team!” one fan wrote on X, while another added, “Maybe we should have maintained the CHAN squad, especially in defense and midfield.”
McCarthy now faces tough questions on team selection and tactics, with Stars’ World Cup hopes over. What was meant to be a step forward has instead become a reminder of the work still needed to build a consistent national team.