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The Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars, have a history of evenly contested ties against Gabon.
In the world of football, few rivalries embody balance and competition as vividly as the encounters between Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Gabon’s Panthers.
Over the years, the two nations have developed a compelling history of closely contested matches, with their respective capitals—Nairobi and Libreville—serving as alternating arenas where footballing dreams are realized or shattered.
As the two teams prepare to meet once again in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Sunday, the stakes have never been higher.
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A History of Evenly Matched Encounters Between Harambee Stars vs Gabon
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The head-to-head record between Kenya and Gabon tells the story of a rivalry marked by balance and mutual respect.
Their first recorded competitive clash took place during the 1997 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Kenya triumphed with a narrow 1-0 victory.
However, Gabon responded with an identical 1-0 win in their next meeting later that year.
This pattern of evenly matched contests continued into the 21st century, with Kenya securing a 2-1 win in 2001, followed by a 1-1 draw in their next meeting.
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14:21 - 21.03.2025
Kenya vs Gabon: Possible Lineups, Team News, Time and Where to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Harambee Stars will shift focus to their World Cup qualifier against Gabon in Nairobi on Sunday and here is everything you need to know about the must-win clash.
Most recently, in November 2023, Gabon edged out Kenya 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
These results highlight a rivalry in which neither side has managed to establish clear dominance.
Instead, each encounter has been fiercely contested, with the teams exchanging victories in a cycle that underscores their footballing parity.
With their upcoming clash set to take place in Nairobi, the question remains whether Kenya will restore the balance, or will Gabon extend its recent advantage?
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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.
Ahead of their latest encounter, Kenya’s national team has undergone significant changes, most notably with the appointment of Benni McCarthy as head coach.
The former South African international, who has experience coaching at top levels—including a stint with Manchester United—brings a fresh tactical approach to the Harambee Stars.
His tenure began with a dramatic 3-3 draw against The Gambia, a match that showcased Kenya’s resilience and attacking intent.
McCarthy’s influence on the team is expected to be a key factor against Gabon. With his emphasis on structured defending and fluid attacking play, Kenya will be looking to exploit weaknesses in Gabon’s setup while neutralizing the threat posed by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Panthers’ talismanic striker.
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10:50 - 22.03.2025
Kenyans heartbroken as 800m medal dreams crash at World Athletics Indoor Championships
Kenyans faced setbacks in Nanjing as key athletes exited early, impacting the nation’s medal hopes at the global event.
On the other hand, Gabon remains a well-drilled unit, blending youthful energy with the experience of seasoned campaigners, making them a formidable opponent.
With both teams striving to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, their upcoming match at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium carries immense significance.
Gabon currently sits second in Group F with 12 points, trailing only Ivory Coast on 13 points, while Kenya on six points in fourth is looking to climb the rankings after a mixed start to the campaign.
For Harambee Stars, a victory at home is not just about three points—it is about keeping their World Cup dream alive.
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