Table of Contents
- The Kenya vs Gambia fixture didn’t go the way the home fans had hoped as Harambee Stars lost 3-1 in the crucial World Cup qualifier match
- Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh ran the show at the 48,000 seater Kasarani Stadium, contributing to all three goals scored by Gambia
The Kenya vs Gambia fixture didn’t go the way the home fans had hoped as Harambee Stars lost 3-1 in the crucial World Cup qualifier match. The defeat means that Kenya are officially out of contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Harambee Stars had recorded just one win, three draws and one defeat in Group F heading to Saturday’s fixture. They had also scored eleven goals and conceded only eight. Their World Cup qualifiers campaign also included a massive 5-0 win over Seychelles and a goalless draw against West African football giants Ivory Coast.
Gambia thrashed Harambee Stars 3-1 at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani in Nairobi. Photo/ Gambiana.
These results motivated Kenyans that they could win against the Scorpion of The Gambia at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani in Nairobi and have a chance of qualifying for the World Cup. The team has looked strong under South African technician Benni McCarthy and had an amazing run at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship CHAN, reaching the quarterfinals stage where they lost to eventual runners-up Madagascar.
ALSO READ: Lionel Messi scores brace in farewell match
However, McCarthy’s tactics were overpowered by Gambia, who killed the Kenya vs Gambia game in the first half after taking a commanding 3-0 lead.
Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh ran the show at the 48,000 seater Kasarani Stadium, contributing to all three goals. The 21-year-old talented winger set up Sheriff Sinyan with a well taken corner to open the goals account in the 12th minute. He then went from assist provider to goalscorer 15 minutes later as he latched onto a pass from Musa Barrow before firing past Kenya’s goalkeeper Bryne Omondi to silence the home crowd.
Minteh could have increased Gambia’s lead to 3-0 immediately after the restart after a brilliant counter-attack move, but instead opted to pass the ball to Sinyan who missed the chance. Harambee Stars, who had looked threatening in the opening minutes of this encounter, were now struggling to stop the visitors dangerous attacks.
From the way Gambia were attacking, you could tell a third goal was coming. The goal that sealed The Scorpion’s win arrived in the 39th minute, with Minteh being the provider to Musa Barrow’s volley that found the back of the net.
It looked like more goals would come in the second half, but tactician McCarthy ensured his players cut off the lethal passing lanes, leaving Minteh struggling to make an impact after the break. Harambee Stars looked for openings to try and find a way back into the Kenya vs Gambia match but the Scorpions were solid on the back as they avoided losing their huge goal margin.
ALSO READ: Who is Clarke Sydney Oduor Omondi, Kenyan Behind Grimsby’s controversy?
Kenya’s efforts were eventually rewarded in the 82nd minute when substitute Ryan Ogam pulled a goal back to reduce the deficit to 1-3. However, it was too late to score two other goals and the Gambia walked away with a 3-1 win.
Ryan Ogam came off the bench to pull one goal back for Kenya. Photo/ Flashscore.
This was the second meeting between the two sides after the 3-3 draw in March 2025. Both sides return to Group F action next Tuesday when Kenya faces Seychelles and the Gambia clashes with Burundi. The games will be played in Nairobi, Kenya.
Group F Standings
Ivory Coast, who are the reigning AFCON champions, are firmly in control of Group F with 19 points after seven matches. Gabon are second on the standings with 18 points and Burundi are third with 10 points. The Gambia has seven points on third place and are followed by Kenya who have six points. Seychelles sit bottom of the group with zero points having lost all their fixtures.
