)
Harambee Stars showed a fighting spirit by coming from behind to draw 3-3 againt The Gambia in the Worlc Cup qualifier clash but how the the players fare?
Harambee Stars tenure under South African tactician Benni McCarthy began in dramatic fashion, following the 3-3 draw against The Gambia in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Goals-galore at Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast on Thursday as the Michael Olunga-captained Stars grabbed a priceless point against their West African opponents.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.
The three well-taken goals were a clear indicator that the team is on the right track back to redemption. Pulse Sports rates the performance of Harambee Stars players.
)
21:59 - 20.03.2025
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.
Ian Otieno - 6/10
Although the hawk-eyed shot stopper conceded a penalty in the 27th minute after bringing down Musa Barrow in the box, he redeemed himself by saving the spot kick. However he was not at fault for any of the goals, but was called into action a couple of times. He was forced into a full stretch, far-post dive to deny Barrow in the 92nd minute before William Lenkupae scored the equalizer.
Daniel Anyembe - 4/10
The energetic defender who plays for Danish Superliga club Viborg FF, was off the pace and failed to contain the attacking threat posed by Gambia's front three. He was often caught out of position and him playing alongside Mandela for the first time proved problematic.
Brian Mandela - 3/10
The experienced center half failed to offer leadership at the back as Kenya's defense was exploited at whim by a pacy Gambian striking force led by Brighton's Yankubah Minteh.
Ronney Onyango - 5/10
The former Gor Mahia right back, was a threat going forward and even missed a glorious opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet. Although he was caught off position in two ocassions, he executed his mandate maturely.
Eric Ouma - 3/10
Known for his defensive solidity, 'Marcelo' endured a tough outing against an inform Minteh who tormented the right flank with his pace. Two of the three goals scored by Gambia came from Minteh. Ouma struggled to contain the wizkid. Attackinwise, he also offered little.
Anthony Akumu - 5/10
The Kheybar Khorramabad defensive midfielder carried his duties as required . Save for his three stray passes, he cut off Gambia's attacks and made some crucial interceptions.
Ismael Gonzalez - 4/10
His experiment in midfield flopped. The typical center back chased shadows in the middle of the park and was substituted at half time.
Richard Odada - 5/10
Anchored the midfield well although as a central or box-to-box midfielder, Odada should have supported Harambee Stars attack. He was substituted in the 70th minute for the more industrious Duke Abuya.
John Avire - 5/10
The Porto Suez forward pressed Gambia's backline but wasted a glorious opportunity when put through goal late in the first half. He lasted an hour before he was replaced.
Eric Johana - 6/10
He could not pull the strings in attack in his preferred position. Johanna covered the ground but had an off day. His ineffectiveness prompted a substitution midway through the second half.
Michael Olunga - 6/10
The Al Duhail striker bullied Gambian defense and threw himself at every challenge. His aerial presence was Stars' attacking weapon and had to be tightly marked. He calmly slotted in from the spot with ease to lead Harambee Stars comeback.
William Lenkupae - 9/10
Introduced at half, the Australian-based midfielder was the hero as he scored in stoppage time to guarantee Harambee Stars a crucial point. He marked his first Stars appearance with a goal, a proud moment for the 23-year-old.
Jonah Ayunga - 8/10
Gave the team the penalty after he was brought down in the box. Fought for every ball and showed commitment as a striker. He might well be granted a start against Gabon.
Mohammed Bajaber - 9/10
The Kenya Police midfielder a torn on the flesh of Gambia's defense. He took his goal well and linked up the attack beautifully. Create a couple of chances that went begging. Completed 97% of his passes.
Duke Abuya - 7/10
He steadied the midfield once he was introduced in the 70th minute. He made some forward runs and carried the ball with confidence.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)