Table of Contents
- Harambee Stars vs Gambia was a difficult battle for Kenya
- The Harambee Stars assistant coach said that the team’s first-half performance fell short of expectations
- Kenya went down 3-1 to the Scorpions on Friday, September 5, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani
Harambee Stars vs Gambia was a difficult battle for Kenya, with assistant coach Vasili Manousakis now making hard admissions.
The Harambee Stars assistant coach said that the team’s first-half performance fell short of expectations. Kenya went down 3-1 to the Scorpions on Friday, September 5, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
This loss ended Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Stepping in for head coach Benni McCarthy, who has faced criticism in recent weeks, Manousakis lamented the number of individual errors that cost Kenya dearly.
He explained that while the team managed to show flashes of quality, the defensive lapses ultimately undid their efforts.
The South African tactician noted that the side had to analyse both the positives and negatives of their play, with particular attention to what went wrong during the opening 45 minutes.
What Went Wrong for Kenya in Harambee Stars vs Gambia Match
Kenya vs Gambia 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match. Gambia thrashed Kenya 3-1 to win this match. Photo/The Star
According to Manousakis, there were several moments in the first half of Harambee Stars vs Gambia match that did not work as expected.
He stressed that Kenya had actually started the game at a high tempo and even managed to put Gambia under pressure early on.
However, he observed that once individual mistakes crept in, they shifted the momentum in favour of the visitors and significantly lowered the team’s morale.
The match turned against Harambee Stars after a series of costly turnovers in possession. The first came in the 10th minute when Rooney Onyango lost the ball while attempting to dribble out of danger.
The resulting corner allowed Gambia to score their opening goal. Fourteen minutes later, Sylvester Owino misplaced a pass near the halfway line.
Within three touches, Yankuba Minteh slotted past goalkeeper Bryne Omondi to double the lead.
The damage deepened just before halftime when Timothy Ouma gifted possession with a weak pass that the visitors swiftly converted into a third goal.
Did Kenya Play Badly?
Harambee Stars vs Gambia. Kenya went down 3-1 to the Scorpions on Friday, September 5 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Photo/Sportpesablog
Manousakis revealed that the coaching staff critically reviewed those moments and acknowledged that the team could perform better in avoiding such costly mistakes.
Despite the setback, he pointed out that Kenya managed to create some promising chances, including a goal that was disallowed.
He described this attacking intent as a positive takeaway and something to build upon in the matches ahead.
With insights from Harambee Stars vs Gambia, the assistant coach said the team must maintain the same high tempo they showed at the start of the Gambia match.
He stated that the focus should remain on playing on the front foot, rectifying errors, and ensuring the team dictates the flow of the game rather than worrying excessively about the opponent.
As the squad prepares for their next fixture against Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, Manousakis spoke about the importance of psychological resilience.
What Happened After Kenya Lost to Gambia?
Harambee Stars players at a past training session. Photo/Harambee Stars
Following the loss to Gambia, it came out that Harambee Stars has an internal rule whereby they celebrate victories or process defeats for only 24 hours before moving on.
With the loss against Gambia now behind them, Manousakis insisted that players must focus entirely on the upcoming match with Seychelles.
