Kenyan hip-hop artiste Paul Baraka, better known as Breeder LW, has shared his thoughts on why Kenya’s Harambee Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat to Gabon in a match played on home turf at the Nyayo National Stadium.
In a Facebook post just hours after the intense clash on Sunday, March 24, 2025, Breeder opined that the team, as a whole, lacked the technical finesse displayed by their standout defender, Eric Ouma, and pointed out that this disparity in skill was a key reason behind the loss.
According to the ‘Gin Ama Whisky’ hitmaker, Ouma is simply on another level, outshining his teammates rather than complementing them—a situation that, in his view, should have been more of a give-and-take to help them overpower the Aubameyang-led Gabon side.
“There is a massive gap between Eric Ouma Marcelo’s technical ability and that of the other Harambee Stars players. He’s just too good,” he remarked.
In a separate Instagram post, Breeder, who had boldly predicted a Harambee Stars victory before kick-off, doubled down on his analysis, stating that Kenya’s defence on the night was spectacularly weak.
He lamented that despite creating numerous clear-cut chances, the team failed to capitalise on them to secure more goals.
Nevertheless, he gave credit where it was due, acknowledging their effort and praising the overall quality of the match. He once again showered Ouma with praise, declaring that his performance was unlike anything Kenya had ever witnessed before.
“Defence was a bit shaky today, and we didn’t convert our chances. But overall, a solid game. Also, Eric Ouma, ‘Marcelo’—this guy knows ball!” he shared.
World Cup Qualifier clash
Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a major setback after a 2-1 loss to Gabon at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Gabon’s talisman, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, bagged a brace, while Kenya’s only goal came from star striker Michael Olunga in front of a packed stadium.
The defeat followed Harambee Stars’ spirited 3-3 draw against Gambia in their previous outing. Despite the electric support from the home crowd and the presence of President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kenya couldn’t pull off a win against their West African opponents.
This was the second match under newly appointed head coach Benni McCarthy, and the result dealt a blow to his personal ambition of steering Kenya to the global stage.
Aubameyang broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, slotting past Kenya’s goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
He doubled his tally in the 50th minute from the penalty spot after Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma handled the ball inside the box, leaving Libyan referee Ibrahim Mutaz with no choice but to award Gabon the spot kick.
Kenya pulled one back just past the hour mark, with Olunga converting a pinpoint cross from Ouma.
With this result, Gabon now tops Group F, while Kenya, returning to Nyayo Stadium for a competitive fixture for the first time since their World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on September 12, 2023, faces an uphill battle.
Four matches remain in the qualifiers, with Harambee Stars set to take on Gambia and the Seychelles in September.
