Harambee Stars had a much-improved performance in their 2-1 loss to Gabon at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday and here is how the players performed.
Harambee Stars suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Gabon in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Kenya needed victory to stay in the hunt as far as qualifying for next year’s World Cup is concerned but suffered a massive setback when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brace won it for Gabon.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted twice as Harambee Stars suffered a setback in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium.
After such a gallant performance on home soil in coach Benni McCarthy’s first home match, how did Harambee Stars players perform?
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Ian Otieno 6/10
The goalkeeper was breached twice from close range when he got a hand on Aubameyang’s shot for the first goal but couldn’t keep it out before the Gabon captain sent him the wrong way from the spot.
Otieno had one great save in the 12th minute when he tipped over Guelor Kanga’ shot that was headed for goal.
Ronny Onyango 8/10
The full-back was impressive at right-back for Harambee Stars as he was not just solid defensively but created a number of chances for his team-mates.
Onyango created dangerous situations for Kenya, especially in the second half but Jonah Ayunga and Michael Olunga did not capitalise, while defensively, he kept Gabon dangerman Denis Bouanga quiet.
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South Africans continue to send mixed signals regarding Benni McCarthy’ appointment as Harambee Stars coach.
Johnstone Omurwa 8/10
Returning to the starting XI after sitting out on Thursday, the centre-back brought calmness and pace at the back after Brian Mandela dropped to the bench.
He commanded the defence and won a number of ground and aerial duels, making it difficult for Aubameyang to get in behind the Kenyan defence as he would have wished.
Daniel Anyembe 7/10
After struggling against The Gambia, Anyembe improved on Sunday with his defending and passing.
He closely watched the Gabonese dangermen and was not afraid to take long passes whenever an opportunity presented itself helping take the pressure off. However, he did not keep an eye on Aubameyang for the first goal.
Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma 7.5/10
The left-back was involved in the action from both ends of the pitch as his defensive and attacking game was much improved compared to Thursday.
Ouma was unlucky to concede the penalty for Gabon’s second goal after hit outstretched arm hit the ball, and should have been in position when Aubameyang scored the first, but he atoned for it with his industriousness going forward when he created Harambee Stars’ goal for Olunga after good work on the left wing.
Anthony Akumu 6/10
A much-improved display from the midfielder against Gabon, he offered good protection to the defence although he did not carry the ball forward as McCarthy might have wished before he was taken off after 65 minutes.
Richard Odada 9/10
Near full marks for the midfielder who mopped out all danger and offered the defence great protection.
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Benni McCarthy’s second game in charge as Harambee Stars coach ended in defeat to Gabon, denting Kenya’s world cup hopes.
Odada was all-action for Harambee Stars in the middle of the pack and ensured Gabon’s dangermen were kept quiet. He dropped into defence when needed and got the ball out to the attackers in a display that did not deserve being on the losing side.
Timothy Ouma 6/10
Brought in the starting XI in place of Eric Johanna, the Slavia Prague midfielder offered Kenya some attacking impetus with some neat passes through the lines and helped progress the ball. He created a couple of chances which were not taken before he went off after 65 minutes.
Mohammed Bajaber 7.5/10
Handed a start after his impressive display against The Gambia, the Kenya Police man was a menace on the right wing but was not lucky to score.
He got Harambee Stars moving with his composure on the ball and neat passing and he started the move that led to Kenya’s goal after his lovely backheel was met by Erick Ouma, who went on to square the ball for Olunga.
William Lenkupae 7/10
The Australian-born winger put in another impressive display on the right wing after earning a spot in the starting XI.
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Kenya’s tactical flaws, missed chances, and defensive lapses cost them dearly as Gabon secured a 2-1 win in Nairobi.
He thought he had got an assist when his sublime pass to Olunga saw the captain score but the goal was ruled out for offside and also had a glorious chance to score in the second half but fired over from Erick Ouma’s great pass, before he went off after struggling with cramp.
Michael Olunga 8.5/10
Captain Michael Olunga scored Kenya’s lone goal but he should have ended the game with at least three.
Olunga had the ball in the net after 18 minutes but was flagged offside and in the 40th minute, a thunderous strike drew a good save from Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba.
Five minutes later, Olunga got a free header from a nice cross and headed just wide, before he scored from close range in the second half from Erick Ouma’s great pass.
His tenacity nearly saw him get a late assist for Jonah Ayunga after winning possession out wide.
Substitutes
Duke Abuya 5/10
The Yanga midfielder came in late but he did not have an impact on the game.
Jonah Ayunga 4/10
The St Mirren forward had two glorious chances to score but missed from close range while his decision-making was poor when in possession and in the box.
Amos Nondi 4/10
Came in for Erick Ouma with eight minutes to go but offered little defensively and in attack.
Masoud Juma NA
Afforded just five minutes and had few touches of the ball.
Manzur Okwaro NA
Like Juma, came in with five minutes to go and did not have an impact on the game.
