Harambee Stars scored a last-minute goal to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw with The Gambia and after the stalemate, they have it all to do to claim a first-ever World Cup ticket.
Harambee Stars have it all to do in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers following their thrilling 3-3 draw away to The Gambia on Thursday night.
Benni McCarthy’s men came from 2-0 down to snatch a point from the jaws of defeat when captain Michael Olunga’s penalty, Mohammed Bajaber’s stunner and William Lenkupae’s last-minute goal handed them the draw.
It is not what Kenya had hoped for as they were looking for a win to boost their World Cup qualification chances but given how the game turned out, McCarthy and his boys will be happy not to come away with defeat.
The draw leaves Kenya in a not so ideal position as they remain fourth on their group with six points from five matches and now, they are six points behind leaders Gabon, who thrashed Seychelles 3-0 on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, who are on 10 points and Burundi, on seven, have a match in hand, as they will face off on Friday night after which the true picture of Group F will be clear.
Harambee Stars fought hard in a tense Group F match staging a strong comeback but ultimately settling for a dramatic draw.
If the Ivorians win, it will take them on 13 points, leaving Kenya with a mountain to climb as far as their qualification chances are concerned, as they would need to claw back seven points to qualify directly and six points to for second place in the group and earn a playoff spot.
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That would be a big task for McCarthy but he can begin by beating Gabon at home on Sunday in a match that his team must not lose at Nyayo National Stadium.
Harambee Stars’ second half display against The Gambia showed that they have quality to score but they need to work on their defence, which did not cover itself in glory against the Scorpions.
With five matches to go, Kenya have 15 points to fight for and must make sure that they beat Gabon, The Gambia and Seychelles at home, and try and get maximum points away to Burundi.
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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.
That would be 12 points that would take their tally to 18 points and leave them in contention for a place in the playoff, if not top.
Harambee Stars are lucky that all their next three games are at home, starting with Gabon on Sunday before they host The Gambia and Seychelles in September, after which trips to Burundi and Ivory Coast will follow in October.
