In the CAF World Cup Qualifiers, Kenya’s Harambee Stars drew 3-3 with Gambia, thanks to debutants Mohammed Bajaber and William Lenkupae’s key contributions. The match was marked by early chances for Kenya, a saved penalty, and a resilient comeback after trailing 2-0 and then 3-2, with Lenkupae equalizing in stoppage time. Kenya will host Gabon next, marking their first home match in over two years.
In a thrilling encounter at the CAF World Cup Qualifiers, Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars, managed a 3-3 draw against Gambia in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The match was particularly special as debutants Mohammed Bajaber and William Lenkupae played pivotal roles in the comeback, while Benny McCarthy marked his first match as head coach. This weekend, Kenya will host Gabon at the Nyayo National Stadium for their first home game in over two years.
Kenya initiated the match with early opportunities, testing Gambia’s defense. In the 5th minute, Richard Odada missed a chance to score, and shortly after, captain Michael Olunga’s header also went wide. The first half saw Kenya dominate possession but faced a scare in the 28th minute when goalkeeper Ian Otieno saved a penalty, maintaining a goalless scoreline. Just before halftime, Eric Ouma cleared a potential Gambia goal, preserving their chances.
During halftime, McCarthy made his initial substitution, introducing William Lenkupae to enhance the attack. The second half began with Gambia taking the lead in the 54th minute through Musa Barrow’s strike. Following that, Yankuba Minteh scored, extending Gambia’s advantage to 2-0, prompting further substitutions from McCarthy.
Kenya’s persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Olunga converted a penalty, narrowing the score to 2-1. The momentum shifted as substitute Mohammed Bajaber equalized soon after, making it 2-2. However, Gambia responded with a well-executed finish from Barrow to regain the lead at 3-2 in the 83rd minute.
In a dramatic turn of events, Lenkupae salvaged a point for Kenya in stoppage time, scoring a goal that culminated the intense match at 3-3. Following this match, Kenya’s standings reflect 6 points after 4 games, with Gabon leading the group with 12 points. The match against Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium will be significant for Kenyan supporters eager to see their team play at home again.
The encounter between Kenya and Gambia exemplified tenacity and resilience, culminating in a dramatic 3-3 draw. The dual debut of Mohammed Bajaber and William Lenkupae showcased their potential for future matches, while Benny McCarthy’s strategic decisions indicated promise for the team’s future endeavors. As Kenya prepares to face Gabon, anticipation mounts for this long-awaited home game, which could further solidify their competitive standing in the qualifying stages.
Original Source: www.michezoafrika.com
