Harambee Stars kept their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive with a dramatic 3-3 draw against The Gambia on Thursday night. A last-minute goal from William Lenkupae salvaged a crucial point after Kenya fought back from 2-0 down in a thrilling contest.
Benni McCarthy’s side showed resilience, with captain Michael Olunga converting a penalty and Mohammed Bajaber netting a stunning goal before Lenkupae’s late equalizer secured the draw. While Kenya had targeted a win to boost their qualification chances, avoiding defeat in such a hard-fought match was a positive takeaway.
The draw leaves Kenya in fourth place in Group F with six points from five matches, trailing group leaders Gabon, who extended their lead to 12 points after a 3-0 win over Seychelles. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast (10 points) and Burundi (7 points) are set to play on Friday, a result that could further complicate Kenya’s qualification path.
If Ivory Coast wins, they will move to 13 points, creating a seven-point gap that Kenya must bridge to qualify directly. To secure a playoff spot, Harambee Stars would need to close a six-point gap for second place.
Kenya must now focus on their next match against Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, a game they cannot afford to lose. With five matches remaining, there are 15 points still up for grabs, meaning McCarthy’s team has a chance to turn their fortunes around.
To remain in contention, Harambee Stars must capitalize on their three consecutive home games—against Gabon, The Gambia, and Seychelles—before facing Burundi and Ivory Coast away in October. Securing maximum points at home and getting positive results on the road will be key to their World Cup dream.
While Kenya’s attacking performance against The Gambia was promising, their defense struggled against the Scorpions. McCarthy’s side must tighten up at the back to increase their chances of winning upcoming matches.
With home advantage in their next three games, Harambee Stars have a crucial opportunity to revive their qualification campaign, starting with a must-win match against Gabon on Sunday.
