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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted twice as Harambee Stars suffered a setback in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium.
Harambee Stars' hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback after a 2-1 defeat to Gabon on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium.
This marked a rare home appearance for Kenya, who had last played on home soil on 12 September 2023, when they beat Rwanda 2-1 in a 2022 World Cup qualifying fixture. Due to a lack of CAF-approved stadia, Kenya has struggled to host international matches.
Since the lifting of the FIFA suspension in 2022, the Harambee Stars have played only one home game — a friendly against South Sudan in September 2023. As a result, the team has been forced to play its 'home' fixtures in neutral venues across Uganda, Malawi, and South Africa.
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14:06 - 22.03.2025
Why Benni McCarthy's choice of Harambee Stars continues to illicit mixed feelings in South Africa
South Africans continue to send mixed signals regarding Benni McCarthy' appointment as Harambee Stars coach.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News
At a packed Nyayo Stadium, Gabon exerted early pressure on the Harambee Stars, forcing several set-pieces and eventually capitalizing on poor marking to open the scoring in the 16th minute.
Alex Moucketou-Moussounda delivered a quality ball from the flank, which was finished by Pierre Aubameyang, beating goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
Harambee Stars tried to respond with a goal, and Michael Olunga found the back of the net in the 18th minute, but it was ruled out for offside. A minute later, Mohamed Bajaber missed a clear chance to equalize.
Michael Olunga had another chance to put the ball in the back of the net five minutes before the break. The ball fell to him a few yards outside the area, and although his powerful strike had the goalkeeper beaten, the upright came to Gabon’s rescue as the ball ricocheted away.
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11:08 - 21.03.2025
Benni McCarthy remains defiant over Harambee Stars’ World Cup chances as he promises changes for Gabon clash
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy still has hopes of clinching a World Cup place despite a draw away to the Gambia as he looks to freshen up the team for Gabon on Sunday.
Gabon were the better side in the early stages of the second half as they pushed to double their lead.
In the 50th minute, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang punished Kenya again—this time from the penalty spot—after Harambee Stars defender Erick Ouma was penalized for a handball inside the area. Libyan referee Ibrahim Mutaz pointed to the spot, and Aubameyang calmly converted, sending Ian Otieno the wrong way to make it 2-0.
Gabon almost extended their lead in the 55th minute when Ian Otieno spilled a powerful drive from Mario Lemina, but the Kenyan goalkeeper reacted quickly to smother the loose ball and prevent further danger.
Kenya finally found the breakthrough in the 61st minute when Michael Olunga halved the deficit. The striker connected brilliantly with a superb cross from Erick Ouma, who had made an electrifying run down the left flank, beat his marker, and delivered a pinpoint ball into the box. Olunga made no mistake, tapping in to bring the score to 2-1.
Moments later, Kenya made changes, with Jonah Ayunga and Duke Abuya coming on for Timothy Ouma and Anthony Akumu, respectively.
Anse Jorgen Ngoubi Demba nearly restored Gabon's two-goal cushion after twisting past his defender and charging through on goal, but Ian Otieno produced a crucial save to keep Kenya in the game.
Benni McCarthy made another change for Kenya in the 70th minute, bringing on Amos Nondi for William Lenkupae, with Rooney Onyango pushing into a more advanced role for the remainder of the match.
The Harambee Stars piled on the pressure in the final moments, searching for an equalizer, but Gabon’s defense, marshaled by Bruno Ecuele and goalkeeper Loyce Marcus Mbaba, held firm.
The match ended 2-1 in favor of Gabon, who climbed to the top of Group F with the vital away win.
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07:10 - 23.03.2025
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno reveals Benni McCarthy's plans to school Gabon
Ian Otieno explains what to expect from Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars welcome Gabon in the 2026 World Cup qualifier clash.
How they lined up:
Kenya: Ian Otieno (GK), Ronney Onyango, Johnstone Omurwa, Daniel Anyembe, Erick Ouma, Anthony Akumu, William Lekumpae, Timothy Ouma, Mohammed Bajaber, Michael Olunga.
Gabon: Loyce Marcus Mbaba, Anthony Oyono, Bruno Ecuele, Urie Michel Mboula, Johann Obiang, Guelor Kanga, Mario Lemina, Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, Pierre Aubameyang, Denis Bouanga, Anse Jorgen Ngoubi Demba
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