Benni McCarthy kicks off Kenya reign with hard-fought comeback draw against Gambia

Harambee Stars fought hard in a tense Group F match staging a strong comeback but ultimately settling for a dramatic draw.

Benni McCarthy began his tenure as Kenya coach with a 3-3 draw against The Gambia on Thursday evening at Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Ivory Coast.

The result saw Kenya remain fourth in their World Cup qualifying Group F with six points, while The Gambia stayed fifth with five points.

The hosts started on a bright note as Musa Barrow had a chance to give them the lead within five minutes with a sight of goal in the box but his shot was cleared by Daniel Anyembe.

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Benni McCarthy's charges had space in attack and Michael Olunga had two chances in quick succession within 15 minutes. However, he squandered both opportunities heading one over the bar and blasting a shot over on the other occasion.

Harambee Stars upped their tempo after that and Richard Odada fancied his chances three minutes later with a low drive from a set-piece routine from range that was smothered by Jarju.

The Gambia had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 27th minute after Harambee Stars’ goalkeeper Ian Otieno brought down a Gambian striker inside the box leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.

Former Bologna striker Musa Barrow stepped up to take the penalty but Otieno, who plays for South Africa’s Richards Bay, quickly redeemed himself.

Reading Barrow’s intent perfectly he dived the right way and pulled off a crucial save keeping Kenya in the game. The miss proved a turning point as The Gambia failed to capitalize on their best chance of the half.

McCarthy made one change at half-time, as William Lenkupae offered fresh legs in central midfield, replacing Ismael Gonzalez.

Harambee Stars were more purposeful going forward, but they came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 48th minute when Eric Ouma delivered a teasing cross into the box.

The ball only needed a simple tap-in, but it narrowly evaded both Michael Olunga and John Avire in front of goal. At the back post, Richard Odada had a golden opportunity but fired his effort over the crossbar.

Gambia responded in the 55th minute with a swift counterattack, as danger man Musa Barrow made amends for his earlier missed penalty. After skillfully evading the Kenyan defense, Barrow unleashed a powerful volley from outside the area, beating Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno to break the deadlock.

Benni McCarthy made a defensive and tactical switch at the half-hour mark, bringing on Johnstone Omurwa in place of Ronney Onyango to stabilize the backline.

However, just a minute later Kenya was punished for a defensive lapse when a costly error at the back gifted Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh the ball inside the area. The Gambian attacker made no mistake, rifling his shot into the roof of the net to double his side’s lead at 2-0.

In an effort to spark a comeback McCarthy made further changes, introducing Jonah Ayunga and Mohamed Bajaber for Ronney Onyango and Jonah Avire, while Eric Johana made way for fresh legs in attack.

Substitute Jonah Ayunga made an immediate impact after coming on, receiving a well-placed pass inside the Gambia box before being brought down by a defender. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, awarding Kenya a penalty.

Captain Michael Olunga stepped up confidently and sent goalkeeper Ebrima Jarju the wrong way, calmly slotting the ball into the net as Kenya pulled one back to make it 2-1.

Harambee Stars drew level in the 75th minute through Mohamed Bajaber who weaved his way past Gambia’s defenders before expertly placing a clever strike beyond Ebrima Jarju, making it 2-2.

Gambia had a chance to grab the winner when Abubakary Barry was left completely unmarked inside the box, but he blazed his effort well over the crossbar from close range.

Despite Kenya's best efforts, Gambia added a third goal in the 84th minute, with Musa Barrow striking for his brace.

But Kenya made it 3-3 deep in added time when William Lenkupae found the back of the net to secure a dramatic draw in the World Cup qualifier.

Kenya will now turn their focus to Sunday’s clash against Gabon in Nairobi, where they will aim to secure a crucial win at Nyayo Stadium to get their campaign back on track.

How they lined up

Gambia Starting XI: Ebrima Jarju, Omar Colley, Sheriff Sinyan, Momodou Lion Njie, Abubakr Barry, Mahumdu Bajo, Alieu Fadera, Lars Joseph Ceesay, Yankuba Minteh, Musa Barrow, Ali Sowe.

Subs: Sheikh Sibi, Musa Dibaga, Dadi Dodou Gaye, Ebrima Adams, Ebrima Darboe, Alasana Manneh, Saikou Touray, Omar Gaye, Abdoulie Sanyang, Gibril Sillah, Alasana Jatta, Abdoulie Ceesay.

Harambee Stars Starting XI: Ian Otieno, Daniel Anyembe, Brian Mandela, Ronney Onyango, Eric Ouma, Anthony Akumu, Ismael Gonzalez, Richard Odada, John Avire, Eric Johana, Michael Olunga.

Subs: Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikalo, Manzur Owkaro, Jonestone Omorwa, Ben Stanley Omondi, Masud Juma, Wilson Lenkupae, Jonah Ayunga, Timothy Ouma, Duke Abuya, Mohammed Bajaber, Elvis Rupia.