Harambee Stars secured a dramatic 3-3 draw against The Gambia in a World Cup Qualifier, showing resilience and skill. The match featured six second-half goals and drew mixed reactions from fans and officials alike. Key performances included those from captain Michael Olunga and Mohammed Bajaber, as they look forward to an important match against Gabon.
Harambee Stars demonstrated remarkable resilience by securing a 3-3 draw against The Gambia during a FIFA World Cup Qualifier match held on March 20 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The match commenced slowly, remaining goalless at halftime. However, the second half came alive, featuring six goals that captivated fans and showcased the teams’ tenacity.
The Gambia’s scoring was propelled by two goals from Musa Barrow and another from Yankuba Minteh, while Kenya’s efforts included goals from captain Michael Olunga, Mohammed Bajaber, and debutant William Lenkupae. Following the match, reactions from Kenyan fans varied widely, showcasing both pride and criticism concerning the team’s performance and tactics.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed commended the team for their display of heart and courage, remarking, “Our national team, The Harambee Stars, epitomized resilience, heart, and courage in today’s game. We are meticulously laying the foundation for a great team!”
Fans offered mixed feedback, with Min Blessing appreciating the team’s effort but urging for more aggressive play: “Ian Otieno redeemed himself with that penalty save. The team should press harder and keep the ball in the opponent’s half rather than sitting back. A win at home is possible.” Meanwhile, Collins Koyo celebrated the team’s scoring ability, acknowledging that scoring three goals away is an impressive feat.
Veteran journalist Elijah Ouko predicted a bright future for the team under Coach Benni McCarthy, stating, “If Harambee Stars continue playing like that, Benni McCarthy will be loved by Kenyan fans. Stars played with COURAGE.” Moreover, David King Onjili praised Bajaber, calling him a “national treasure.”
Mozzart Sport’s Kevin Teya provided tactical insight into the match, suggesting that the defensive setup initially employed may have limited the team’s potential. He highlighted the effective substitutions made by McCarthy that turned the match in Kenya’s favor, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming match against Gabon.
Several commentators expressed concerns about the initial tactics. Allan Omuse questioned McCarthy’s decision to start with three defensive midfielders, asserting the need for a more aggressive approach in upcoming matches. James Nyamweya noted that substitutions were pivotal in the comeback, especially highlighting Bajaber’s creative contributions on the field.
With the latest draw, Kenya currently stands fourth in Group F with six points, preparing to face Gabon on March 23 at Nyayo National Stadium. A victory in this critical match is essential for sustaining their World Cup qualification aspirations.
In summary, the Harambee Stars demonstrated remarkable tenacity by drawing against The Gambia in a thrilling World Cup Qualifier. Fans and analysts highlighted key individual performances, particularly from Mohammed Bajaber. While the team showcased significant potential, scrutiny of their initial strategy remains pertinent. The upcoming match against Gabon is crucial in the quest for World Cup qualification and maintaining fan support.
Original Source: www.mozzartsport.co.ke
