Harambee Stars commenced the tenure of new head coach Benni McCarthy with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The match, held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium due to venue restrictions, marked a resilient performance where Kenya equalized three times. Notable debutant William Lenkupae scored a crucial last-minute goal. Moving forward, the focus shifts to improving defensive strategies before the upcoming match against Gabon.
The debut of Harambee Stars under new head coach Benni McCarthy commenced with a captivating draw against Gambia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The match, hosted at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast due to venue restrictions on Gambia, was critical for both teams aiming to climb the standings in Group F. McCarthy, who was appointed earlier this month, sought to secure a much-needed victory to bolster Kenya’s aspirations for World Cup qualification.
Despite facing challenges, Kenyans demonstrated resilience by equalizing three times throughout the game. The Stars, now positioned fourth in Group F with five points, will shift their focus to their upcoming match against Gabon, hoping to improve their defensive strategy following the draw. Gambia, coached by Jonathan McKinstry, put up tough competition, highlighting the tactical intricacies of international play.
Key moments included debutant William Lenkupae who capitalized on a last-minute opportunity, scoring to assist in securing a hard-fought point. Previously, Kenyan captain Michael Olunga, alongside young talent Mohammed Bajaber, played pivotal roles in bridging scoring gaps to maintain competitiveness against Gambia. The match featured several close encounters and significant saves, particularly goalkeeper Ian Otieno’s remarkable denial of a penalty shot from Gambia’s Musa Barrow.
As the match concluded in a 3-3 draw, the coach’s immediate concern lies in fortifying the defense ahead of the pivotal clash against Gabon. This match showcased a promising potential within the Kenyan squad, particularly with the emergence of new talents ready to make their mark on the international stage. McCarthy’s adjustments and strategies will be crucial as Kenya aspires to achieve their first qualification in World Cup history.
In summary, Benni McCarthy’s debut as head coach of Harambee Stars resulted in a resilient draw against Gambia, showcasing the team’s fighting spirit. With critical contributions from debutants and seasoned players alike, Kenya demonstrated that there is potential for growth in their campaign for World Cup qualification. Moving forward, strengthening defensive strategies will be paramount as they prepare to face Gabon, with hopes of turning draws into victories.
Original Source: www.mozzartsport.co.ke
