Kenya’s Harambee Stars delivered a sensational performance at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday evening, thrashing Seychelles 5-0 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.The commanding win was a perfect response to their recent 3-1 loss to Gambia, restoring hope and pride among fans as the national team wrapped up their final home game of the qualifying campaign.
Teenage sensation Ryan Ogam, who recently secured a move to Austria, was the star of the show alongside team captain Michael Olunga. Both strikers scored twice, while Collins Sichenje also found the net in a game Kenya completely dominated from start to finish.
Coming into the match, Kenya had been under pressure. Their loss to Gambia was widely criticized, and questions had been raised about the team’s ability to bounce back. Adding to the challenge, two key defenders were unavailable—Aboud Omar was suspended after picking up yellow cards, and Alphonce Omija had already traveled to Tunisia to finalize his transfer to Étoile Sportive du Sahel. But despite the setbacks, head coach Benni McCarthy’s side stepped up and showed exactly what they are capable of.
The home crowd didn’t have to wait long to celebrate. Just a few minutes into the game, Kenya were ahead. William Wilson delivered a perfect free-kick into the box, and Ogam met it with a sharp header that flew past the Seychelles goalkeeper Romeo Robertson. The young striker, full of confidence after scoring against Gambia, almost doubled the lead minutes later but fired narrowly wide.
Kenya kept the pressure on as Seychelles struggled to cope with the pace and energy of the home team. Wilson continued to cause problems down the wing, and in the 35th minute, his delivery led to another goal—this time, it was Collins Sichenje who rose above the defenders to head in Kenya’s second goal of the night.
Just moments later, Kenya made it 3-0. Olunga powered a shot off the crossbar, and the rebound fell perfectly for Ogam, who reacted quickly to nod home his second goal of the match. It was an excellent finish and underlined why the 19-year-old is one of the most exciting young talents in Kenyan football right now.
Right before half-time, Kenya were awarded a penalty after Ogam was fouled in the box. Olunga stepped up and buried the spot-kick with confidence, sending the keeper the wrong way and giving Kenya a 4-0 lead at the break. The crowd roared in approval, sensing they were witnessing something special.
In the second half, Kenya continued to dominate possession and dictate the pace of the game. The fifth and final goal came in the 66th minute when substitute Boniface Muchiri sent in a perfect cross, and Olunga rose highest to head the ball into the net for his second of the night. It was a classic Olunga finish—powerful, precise, and unstoppable.
The rest of the game saw Kenya control proceedings comfortably. Seychelles rarely threatened, and goalkeeper Bwire had very little to do. The midfield, led by Richard Odada and Suleiman Manzur, was tidy and efficient, while the defense remained solid throughout.
After the match, coach McCarthy praised his players for their hunger and attitude, calling the performance “exactly the kind of reaction we needed.” The players, too, seemed relieved and motivated, knowing the journey is far from over but that this result sends a strong message to their group rivals.
With the win, Kenya boosts their chances of staying competitive in Group F, which features heavyweights like Ivory Coast and Gabon. Their next match is away to Burundi in October, followed by a massive test against the reigning African champions, Ivory Coast.
This big win will surely lift spirits across the country. More importantly, it hints at a new era for Harambee Stars—a team blending experienced leaders like Olunga with rising stars like Ogam. If this balance continues to grow, Kenya could become a real force in African football once again.
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