Harambee Stars suffer setback in World Cup Qualifiers with 2-1 loss to Gabon
Gabon started the game aggressively, putting Kenya under pressure early on. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's goal in the 16th minute validated their efforts.
Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a blow after a 2-1 defeat to Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday. This rare home appearance for the Harambee Stars ended in disappointment, as the visitors capitalised on key moments to secure victory.
It was the first time Kenya played a competitive match on home soil since September 12, 2023, when they defeated Rwanda 2-1 in a 2022 World Cup qualifier. However, due to the lack of CAF-approved stadiums, the national team has had to host its ‘home’ matches in neutral venues across Uganda, Malawi, and South Africa. Since the lifting of FIFA’s suspension in 2022, Kenya has played just one other home match — a friendly against South Sudan in September 2023.
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Gabon started the game aggressively, putting Kenya under pressure early on. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's goal in the 16th minute validated their efforts. A well-delivered cross from Alex Moucketou-Moussounda caught the Kenyan defence off guard, allowing the former Arsenal striker to slot home past goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
Kenya thought they had an instant response when Michael Olunga found the net in the 18th minute, but the goal was ruled offside. Just moments later, Richard Odada wasted a golden opportunity to equalise. Olunga came close again five minutes before halftime, but his powerful strike struck the upright, denying Kenya a crucial goal before the break.
Gabon remained the stronger side in the early stages of the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 50th minute when referee Ibrahim Mutaz awarded a penalty after Kenyan defender Erick Ouma was penalised for a handball inside the box. Aubameyang stepped up and calmly sent Ian Otieno the wrong way, making it 2-0.
Five minutes later, Gabon almost extended their lead when Mario Lemina’s powerful shot was spilt by Otieno, but the Kenyan goalkeeper recovered quickly to prevent further damage.
Kenya found a glimmer of hope in the 61st minute when Olunga finally got his goal. Erick Ouma, after a dazzling run down the left flank, delivered a pinpoint cross that the striker tapped in to halve the deficit.
Seeking an equaliser, coach Benni McCarthy introduced Jonah Ayunga and Duke Abuya for Timothy Ouma and Anthony Akumu. However, Gabon’s defence, led by Bruno Ecuele and goalkeeper Loyce Marcus Mbaba, held firm against Kenya’s attacking waves.
Anse Jorgen Ngoubi Demba nearly restored Gabon’s two-goal cushion, but Otieno produced a crucial save to keep Kenya in the game. The Harambee Stars pressed hard in the closing stages, but their efforts were thwarted by Gabon’s resilient defence.
The loss sees Gabon climb to the top of Group F with a vital away victory, while Kenya’s World Cup qualification hopes take a significant hit.
With the qualification campaign still ongoing, the Harambee Stars will need to regroup quickly and focus on their remaining fixtures. The team’s struggles with home fixtures due to inadequate stadium facilities continue to be a major challenge, and improvements in infrastructure will be crucial for Kenya’s footballing ambitions.
Despite the setback, Kenya showed moments of promise, and with better finishing and defensive discipline, they could still turn things around in the qualifiers. The focus now shifts to their next match, where they will seek redemption and a much-needed victory.
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