Harambee Stars face Gabon in crucial World Cup Qualifier
The excitement around the fixture has been palpable, with the Football Kenya Federation announcing that tickets for the match are sold out,
The highly anticipated fixture between Kenya's Harambee Stars and Gabon's Panthers is set for this afternoon, Sunday, March 23, a match that could significantly boost either team's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Gabon currently leads Group F with 12 points, while Kenya, struggling to find consistent wins, sits in fourth place with six points. Neither team has ever qualified for the World Cup, making this clash even more critical.
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Speaking during Saturday’s training session, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy acknowledged the challenge posed by Gabon, emphasising the short turnaround period from their previous match.
"Tomorrow is going to be very tough. The same way Gambia was exceptionally tough, but our team performed really well. We stuck to the plan. I know it was not a really long time to prepare, but we did very well. It was very unfortunate not to win the game, but we are happy we didn’t lose, and we can take a lot of positives from that match," McCarthy said.
The coach also highlighted the difference between playing at home and away, noting that confidence is higher when playing in familiar territory.
Defending his decision to field experienced players against Gambia, McCarthy explained his tactical approach of strengthening the midfield with seasoned players.
“When you play at home, you have to be brave. When you play away from home, yes, you want to be brave and give the team the best opportunity to win the game. So I felt that experience would take us a bit further. However, it didn’t work the way we wanted it to work,” he admitted.
Tickets sold out
The excitement around the fixture has been palpable, with the Football Kenya Federation announcing that tickets for the match are sold out, ensuring a fully packed stadium. McCarthy remained optimistic that his team would rise to the occasion and put on a show for the fans.
“I’m pleased that the fans are going to be able to see the players represent them tomorrow. They will have an opportunity to see the players in action, and hopefully, we don’t disappoint. We need to pick up from where we left off in the Gambia game because I think we finished really strong. I believe we could have gone on to win the game, but it wasn’t to be. Hopefully, we can continue with the same momentum and give the fans a team to be proud of.”
When asked whether Kenya still has a chance to qualify for the World Cup, McCarthy expressed confidence, stating that every team in Group F remains in contention.
“Yes, we do. Everyone in the group Ivory Coast, Gabon, Kenya, Burundi, Gambia we are still in with a chance. We have the likelihood of qualifying as the best second-placed team, so everything is possible. We have to start this game with three points, and that will set us on our way to catching up with the teams that already have 12 points, like Gabon. It will be hard but not impossible,” he stated.
Much-needed boost
Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno echoed his coach’s sentiments, affirming that the team’s preparations were going well and that playing at home would provide a much-needed boost.
“The preparation is going on well. Everyone is ready for tomorrow, and I think the fact that we are playing at home is going to give us confidence going into the game. We are happy to be back because we have been playing away, and we are looking forward to the support of the home crowd. Tomorrow, just like any other game, we are going to give it our best,” Otieno said.
Meanwhile, William Wilson Lenkupae, who made his debut in the recent match against Gambia, reflected on the honour of being called up to the national team.
“It was a very great achievement for me. It was a dream come true. My family, both back home and here in Kenya, were very happy, so it was a great memory for me to take back to Australia,” Lenkupae expressed.
With the stakes higher than ever, Harambee Stars will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and deliver a performance that keeps their World Cup dream alive.
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