Fans praised Harambee Stars’ resilience in their 3-3 draw against Gambia, with many optimistic about Benni McCarthy’s impact despite concerns over team selection and Michael Olunga’s performance
On Thursday night, Harambee Stars put in a spirited fight to draw with the Gambia at the Alassane Ouattara stadium in Abidjan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The two teams went into halftime having tied at 0-0 but things would quickly change in the second half.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.
The 56th minute saw Saudi Pro League forward Musa Barrow of the Gambia score before Brighton’s right winger Yankuba Minteh doubled their lead in the 61st minute.
However, Harambee Stars changed the tune in the 67th minute as team captain Michael Olunga scored a penalty. Second-half substitute Mohamed Bajaber equalised the scores, scoring a goal in the 75th minute.
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.
The Gambia did not rest on their laurels after that goal as they scored again in the 83rd minute courtesy of their superb forward Barrow.
Benni McCarthy’s side could not go down without a fight as Australian-based midfielder Wilson Lenkupae scored in the 96th minute to level the match at 3-3.
Following Harambee Stars’ dedication to fighting in their match against Jonathan McKinstry’s side, fans have shared their different opinions of how things are looking ahead of their next match against Gabon at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
“The starting 11 was way off. Subs were better. Let’s trust more local players. Kudos,” one avid fan shared on X after the match.
Another fan, Toroitich Jr, noted that Michael Olunga needs a lot to do if he is to remain relevant as team captain. “Olunga should step up or warm the bench!”
“There is light and that further end. We have played well but Olunga needs to be more clinical or warm the bench,” another shared.
)
Letsile Tebogo, Christian Coleman, and Kishane Thompson headline a thrilling 100m race in Shanghai/Keqiao, kicking off a fierce sprint rivalry.
Ken Musee, another X user, observed that more local players should be given a chance going forward. “International players are just poorly performing… at least Benni to call up locally based players in Sunday game,” he tweeted.
Javan Okwayo added: “Very interesting game. The boys did well to come back. Now we shift our focus to our home game on Sunday vs Gabon at Nyayo Stadium!”
“That second-half performance with a much better defense and we might be eating well on Sunday,” another fan shared.
)
Harambee Stars fought hard in a tense Group F match staging a strong comeback but ultimately settling for a dramatic draw.
“@Gamerfest12 I told you our attack is promising. Now with Benni McCarthy in charge, I’m not hesitant on him to start young players. Our defence needs some serious work tho,” one fan commented.
From the analysis, fans are already impressed with Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars’ new coach and have high hopes that he will rescue the team.
Meanwhile, the result leaves Kenya fourth in Group F with six points from the five matches played. The Gambia are placed fifth with four points. Gabon are on top of the group with 12 points having secured a 3-0 win over Seychelles.
