Gabon forward Denis Bouanga has put Harambee Stars on notice ahead of vital 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Gabon forward Denis Bouanga has said the Panthers are focused on booking a ticket for the 2026 World Cup tournament and will do everything within his power to actualise the dream.
His sentiments come as Gabon prepare to face Harambee Stars in matchday six of the African qualifiers on Sunday. The Los Angeles FC striker, who finished as the top scorer of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League with 7 goals, is worried that three teams, including Kenya are capable of booking a slot in Group F, which is currently led by Ivory Coast.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.
In an interview with Cafonline, he said: “It’s certainly a tough group. But we have the capacity to face it, as we demonstrated during our last participation. Three teams seem within our reach, and now it’s up to us to do everything we can to be among the top two.”
Former Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has shed light on Benni McCarthy’s thoughts on the quality of the Kenyan national football team.
Bouanga reminisces how missing last year’s edition pf the AFCON became a turning point for Gabon, who have already booked a slot for this year’s showpiece set for Morocco. Watching the Ivory Coast edition was a bitter pill to swallow for the mercurial striker but now says the World Cup is the team’s dream target.
“It’s always painful to miss a competition like AFCON, especially with your country and its supporters. It affected many people, myself included, because I love playing in these tournaments. Watching the atmosphere in Côte d’Ivoire on TV, it was really regrettable that Gabon wasn’t there. But in the end, we can see it as a blessing in disguise, as we managed to qualify for the next edition.”
)
The Joe Kadenge stadium, formerly City stadium, which previously served as home ground for Gor Mahia is expected to be in usable condition following renovations.
Gabon is in a good position for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, in second place in Group F with nine points, one point behind Côte d’Ivoire. Bouanga said the team will maximize on the home advantage, hoping to make it a fortress.
)
Former Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has shed light on Benni McCarthy’s thoughts on the quality of the Kenyan national football team.
“These are crucial matches, especially the ones at home, where we can’t afford to drop any points. The goal is clear: win all our home games and keep our winning momentum. Continuing from our qualification for the AFCON, we must seize this opportunity to get closer to a historic World Cup qualification.”
Harambee Stars have five points and sit fourth in the six-team pool.
