Harambee Stars’ World Cup dreams fade after 3-1 defeat to Gambia

Kenya’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another blow on Friday evening after falling 3-1 to The Gambia in a Group F qualifier at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The loss, coupled with Gabon’s 4-0 win over Seychelles a day earlier, leaves the Harambee Stars’ chances of automatic qualification in tatters.

The Stars began with urgency, pushing forward through Emmanuel Osoro and William Lenkupae. In the third minute, Osoro slipped into the box to set up Lenkupae, but the forward failed to capitalise. A wave of pressure followed, with Michael Olunga going close twice—first from a Timothy Ouma corner and later with a headed effort that tested the Gambian keeper.

Despite this early spark, Kenya’s defence cracked first. In the 11th minute, Sheriff Sinyan rose highest to head home Yankuba Minteh’s corner, silencing the Kasarani crowd.

Brighton winger Minteh struck in the 26th minute, and Musa Barrow of Gambia made it 3-0. The Gambian attack, led by Minteh and Barrow, exposed cracks in Kenya’s backline repeatedly before the interval.

At halftime, the scoreboard read Gambia 3-0 Kenya.

Coach Benni McCarthy rang the changes early in the second half, bringing on Richard Odada and Manzur Okwaro to add energy. Alpha Onyango forced a corner with a deflected shot in the 52nd minute, while Michael Olunga’s frustrations in front of goal continued, spurning a big chance in the 47th.

Sylvester Owino went into the referee’s book after a rough tackle in the 54th minute, underlining Kenya’s growing desperation. Later, teenager Ryan Wesley Ogam replaced Emmanuel Osoro, injecting fresh energy into the team.

The Stars eventually found a breakthrough in the 81st minute when Ogam scored the first goal. Captain Olunga came close again a minute later, but luck deserted him on the night. Substitute Boniface Muchiri added pace late on, but The Gambia managed the closing stages with composure.

After six added minutes, the referee’s whistle confirmed a 3-1 victory for The Gambia, who completed a double blow to Kenya’s qualification dream.

Kenya now sits on just six points from as many games, their maximum possible tally capped at 18. With Gabon already on 18 points and holding the head-to-head advantage after home and away wins over the Stars, automatic qualification is off the table.

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