Harambee Stars lose to Gabon in opening World Cup qualifier

Harambee Stars kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a 2-1 away to Gabon at the Stade De Franceville on Thursday night.

The first half was a rather start-stop affair with none of the two teams finding any rhythm due to the string of fouls that led to the keepers receiving lengthy treatment on the pitch.

Kenyan keeper Patrick Matasi struggled with a shoulder injury throughout the opening half-hour but he managed to confidently hold firmly the aerial balls coming from the Gabon corners.

However, it was the Gabon keeper Ngoubi Demba who couldn't see out the game due to injury and was subbed off in the 32nd minute.

It was his replacement, Junior Noubi, whose costly error led to Kenya's first goal.

The build-up started from a Gabon throw in but the Panthers lost possession shortly after and a long ball by Amos Nondi into the penalty box was completely missed by Noubi leaving Masoud Juma to head it into an empty net in the 39th minute.

Harambee Stars went into the break with a slim one-goal lead after eight minutes of added time.

Gabon started off brightly in the second half with dangerous attacks and link-up play inside the Kenyan penalty area.

Their attacking display was rewarded on the hour mark after Denis Bouanga received a long ball, brilliantly controlled it and cooly slotted it into the net past a hapless Matasi.

The moment of the match came late on after Crvena Zvezda's Guelor Kanga rifled home a bullet shot into the top corner from 35 yards in the 87th minute.

The draw sees Kenya placed last in Group "F" without a point as Gabon rise to second behind early surprise leaders Burundi who earlier beat Gambia 3-2 in a thrilling encounter in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Group favourites Ivory Coast face Seychelles on Friday.

Harambee Stars will next play Seychelles in their second group match in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Monday.