Table of Contents
- Harambee Stars vs Gambia 3-3 draw in Abidjan is good news
- The general hope among Kenyan fans was for Harambee Stars to win the match
- Nevertheless, this was a huge win for the team in its first major 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match under McCarthy
A 3-3 draw in Harambee Stars vs Gambia match on Thursday, March 20 marks very critical steps for Kenyan Football and coach Benni McCarthy.
The general hope among Kenyan fans was for Harambee Stars to win the match but they ended in a 3-goals draw. Nevertheless, this was a huge win for the team in its first major 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match under McCarthy.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chairman Hussein Mohammed congratulated the team for its courage and resilience.
“Our national team, the Harambee Stars, epitomised the true meaning of resilience, heart and courage in today’s game. We are meticulously laying the foundation for a great team. To all the players and technical bench, HONGERA! Back to the battlefield this Sunday as we host Gabon at Nyayo Stadium,” he posted on his X page.
How Didi Harambee Stars vs Gambia Match Go?
Harambee Stars vs Gambia game went down at Alassane Ouattara stadium in Abidjan on Thursday night. The first half ended 0-0 with Stars’ goalkeeper Ian Otieno curtailing Gambia’s early lead with a penalty save.
The team’s defence was remarkable through the first half. Musa Barrow scored the first goal against Harambee Stars in the 56th minute, sending a fresh wave of confidence for Gambians.
Harambee Stars celebrating a goal against Gambia Alassane Ouattara stadium in Abidjan. Photo/Hussein Mohammed
Yankuba Miteh, a right-winger for Brighton scored for the Gambia a second goal in only five minutes.
McCarthy looked unbothered motivating his boys all along. Team captain Michael Olunga ended Kenya’s goalless spell with a lethal penalty kick in the 69th minute.
Harambee Stars were awarded a penalty following a foul on Midfielder Jonah Ayunga. Mohammed Bajaber equalized with a second goal in the 75th minute.
Pushing for success, Barrow, a Saudi Pro League star sent a third goal on the net in the 84th minute.
This awoke the Kenyan indomitable spirit now a topic of Harambee Stars vs Gambia game. Wilson Lenkupae, a midfielder in one of Australia’s football clubs equalized in the 96th minute with to end the match at 3-3.
This performance left Kenya fourth in Group F.
What Did McCarthy Say After the 3-3 Draw?
McCarthy was impressed by the performance of his squad largely dominated by young international players. His starting 11 included the following:
A 3-3 draw in Harambee Stars vs Gambia match on Thursday, March 20 marks very critical steps for Kenyan Football and coach Benni McCarthy. Photo/iDsiski Times
- Michael Olunga
- Ian Otieno
- Brian Mandela
- Eric Johana
- Daniel Anyembe
- Ronney Onyango
- Anthony Akumu
- Eric Ouma
- John Avire
- Ismael Gonzalez
- Richard Odada
He said this was just the beginning of better matches by his squad. McCarthy who joined the Kenyan team on March 2 stated that he was amazed by the level of confidence that his first squad exhibited.
Describing it as a ‘monster’ attitude, he is certain the Harambee Stars vs Gambia match pointed to better days for Kenyan football.
He looked joyful on Friday as returned from Abidjan. While he did speak much to the press who were at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive him; he promised ‘bigger things in coming days.’
Local football analysts concurred with him that the team’s morale changed the outcome of the match.
“Morale is very important in football. McCarthy looks like he is doing a great job in empowering his team mentally and otherwise,” Jeff Mburu, a Kenyan football analyst stated.
“The game was tough but the team performed exceptionally well because they believed in themselves.”
Before naming the final squad ahead of the Harambee Stars vs Gambia game; McCarthy noted that he is keen on evaluating the team’s mental fortitude in Abidjan.
