Table of Contents
- Kenya vs Gabon match was the most-watched local match
- While Kenya lost, there are a lot of positives to pick from the game and lessons awaiting McCarthy to act upon
- McCarthy had promised Football Kenya Federation (FKF) during his official unveiling as Harambee Stars Coach that he would take Kenya to the 2026 World Cup
Kenyan football stakeholders are pleased with Sunday’s Kenya vs Gabon match where Kenya lost 1-2.
It was one of the most watched local matches in the country, especially due to its new coach effect Benni McCarthy.
Harambee Stars had drawn with Gambia a few days before facing Gabon in Nairobi. McCarthy was upbeat that he would qualify Kenya for the 2026 World Cup.
He promised Football Kenya Federation (FKF) during his official unveiling as Harambee Stars Coach that he would take Kenya to the 2026 World Cup.
Kenya Vs Gabon Match
With McCarthy’s promise and a ray of hope in Gambia, Kenyans turned out in large numbers to cheer their home team.
Tickets were sold out forcing a group of youth to knock down a gate to access Nyayo Stadium where the Kenya vs Gabon match went down.
Popular political figures such as Raila Odinga, Karen Nyamu, Moses Kuria and Peter Salasya among others graced the stadium to cheer the Kenyan squad.
Gabon made an aggressive start putting Harambee Stars under intense pressure. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Gabon a lead after scoring in the 16th minute.
Kenyan football stakeholders are pleased with Sunday’s Kenya vs Gabon match where Kenya lost 1-2. Photo/Hussein Mohammed
Captain Michael Olunga scored for Kenya in the 18th minute but this goal was ruled offside. Kenya failed to convert several other opportunities right before the end of the first half.
Mohamed Bajaber missed a crucial opportunity to score against Gabon in the first half, and so did Olunga. Gabon scored a second goal in the second half.
Aubameyang, a former Arsenal striker sealed Kenya vs Gabon fate in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Olunga wiped Kenya’s shame with a goal in the 61st minute.
Still, it wasn’t enough to keep Kenya in the World Cup Qualifiers.
Kenyans React
FKF boss Hussein Mohammed congratulated the team for the gallant fight in the past two matches.
“A gallant fight from Harambee Stars, but we live to fight another day. Huge thanks to all Kenyans for the incredible support – the 12th man was truly behind the boys today, and it felt special after years of playing away from home. We keep pushing forward. This Sunday, the Mashemeji Derby takes centre stage as we continue building the future of Kenyan football together! he said.
Excited fans filled Nyayo National Stadium to cheer Harambee Stars against Gabon. Photo/Hussein Mohammed
McCarthy thanked Kenyans for filling the stadium which was a show of love for Harambee Stars.
Raila congratulated Gabon on the win and thanked Kenyans for turning out in large numbers to watch the match.
“We spent this afternoon watching an entertaining football match between Kenya’s Harambee Stars and the Panthers of Gabon at the Nyayo National Stadium. Congratulations to the visitors on their win. I am encouraged by the enthusiasm of our local fans, and it gives me hope on the future of football in Kenya,” Raila said.
Kenyan football commentator Ole Teya said there were a lot of positives from the Kenya vs Gabon match. However, he warned that there was still so much for McCarthy to do with the team.
“Although we lost, there were many positives, especially the attacking football, which is something we’re not used to seeing,” Ole Teya said. “Benni McCarthy has a major task ahead of him—there’s serious rebuilding to be done, deadweight to be dropped, and emerging talent to be integrated.
I believe we have players capable of advancing this country’s football, both domestically and internationally. Hopefully, with the right support, he can lead us to success.”
