Kenya’s Harambee Stars were officially eliminated from direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 3-1 defeat to The Gambia at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, September 5, 2025. The loss in the Group F qualifier left Kenya fourth with six points, unable to catch group leaders Gabon, who have 18 points.
The match, only the second between the two nations, saw Gambia take an early lead through Sheriff Sinyan’s header from a corner in the 12th minute. Yankuba Minteh doubled the advantage in the 26th minute, and Musa Barrow sealed a 3-0 lead before halftime. Kenya’s Ryan Ogam pulled one back in the 81st minute, but it was too late to mount a comeback. Both teams saw yellow cards, with Kenya’s Abdur Omar, Duke Abuya, Collins Sichenje, and Silvester Owino cautioned, alongside Gambia’s Ebou Adams and Abubakhr Barry.
Kenya, coached by Benni McCarthy, struggled without key left-back Eric “Marcelo” Ouma, sidelined by injury. Despite a strong recent record—unbeaten in their last five matches across competitions—the Stars could not overcome Gambia’s clinical finishing. Goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye made crucial saves to deny Kenya’s Michael Olunga and William Lenkupae.
With two rounds remaining, Gabon’s 4-0 win over Seychelles on Thursday secured their dominance, while Ivory Coast (16 points) need one more victory to confirm qualification. Burundi (10 points) and Gambia (7 points) remain in contention, but Kenya can only hope for a second-round berth.
“We fought hard, but small mistakes cost us,” McCarthy said post-match. “We’ll regroup and focus on the remaining games.”
The defeat follows Kenya’s recent exit from the CHAN tournament at the knockout stage, adding pressure on McCarthy’s squad to rebuild momentum. Fans now look to the Stars’ next fixtures to salvage pride in a challenging campaign.
