Kenya remains fourth in group F with six points. The next qualifier is against Gabon on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium
Kenya’s Harambee Stars played out an electrifying 3-3 draw against Gambia in their latest World Cup qualifier at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The game was filled with drama, late goals, and a remarkable comeback, with debutant William Lenkupae scoring a last-minute equalizer to secure a vital point for Kenya.
This result keeps Kenya in fourth place in Group F with six points, while Gambia remains in the race for qualification. The match also marked the debut of South African coach Benni McCarthy, whose reign as Harambee Stars manager began with an unforgettable six-goal thriller.
McCarthy’s Tactical Approach and a Tense First Half
Known for his attacking philosophy, McCarthy surprised many by opting for a more defensive approach in his first game in charge. He packed the midfield with three predominantly defensive players—Ismael Gonzalez, Teddy Akumu, and Richard Odada—aiming to neutralize Gambia’s attacking trio of Musa Barrow, Yankuba Minteh, and Alieu Fadera.
Despite Gambia dominating possession early on, they struggled to break through Kenya’s well-organized defense. The Harambee Stars created the first major opportunity of the game in the 12th minute when Ronney Onyango delivered a perfect cross to captain Michael Olunga. However, the striker, unmarked in the box, failed to keep his header on target.
Gambia continued to press and looked increasingly dangerous. Their persistence paid off in the 28th minute when goalkeeper Ian Otieno fouled Fadera inside the box, leading to a penalty. However, Otieno made amends with a brilliant save, denying Barrow from the spot and keeping Kenya in the game.
The tension escalated in the 39th minute when Gambia’s captain, Omar Colley, deliberately handled the ball to stop a Kenyan attack. With the Harambee Stars players demanding a red card, the referee controversially showed only a yellow, sparking protests from the Kenyan side.
Four minutes later, Erick Ouma came to Kenya’s rescue with a crucial clearance off the line, preventing what looked like a certain goal. The first half ended goalless, setting the stage for an action-packed second period.
Gambia’s Quickfire Goals Stun Kenya
At halftime, McCarthy decided to inject fresh energy into the attack, bringing on William Lenkupae for his international debut. Kenya started the second half brightly, winning a series of corners, but they failed to convert them into clear-cut chances.
In the 55th minute, Gambia finally broke the deadlock. Barrow, making up for his earlier penalty miss, received a pass, controlled it expertly, and unleashed a powerful strike that left Otieno with no chance.
The home side doubled their lead just six minutes later. Minteh showed his individual brilliance inside the box, twisting and turning past Daniel Anyembe before calmly finishing past Otieno to make it 2-0.
Gambia nearly extended their lead moments later, but Otieno produced a crucial goal-line save to keep Kenya in the game. With their defense struggling to contain Gambia’s attackers, the Harambee Stars needed a response—and fast.
Kenya’s Incredible Comeback Begins
Despite being two goals down, Kenya refused to give up. In the 69th minute, they were handed a lifeline when substitute Jonah Ayunga was brought down in the box, winning a penalty. Olunga stepped up and confidently slotted the ball home to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Buoyed by the goal, Kenya kept pushing forward. Just six minutes later, substitute Mohammed Bajaber made an immediate impact with a stunning strike from inside the box. The 20-year-old controlled the ball well before firing an unstoppable shot past the Gambian keeper, leveling the score at 2-2.
Arab commentary never disappoints
Allaaaaaaaaaaaaaa mustahina yarakhaaaaaaaaaMohammed BAJABER is Him! pic.twitter.com/f2cu5NgwLH
— (@JamalGaddafi) March 20, 2025
The momentum had shifted, and Kenya looked capable of securing all three points. However, Gambia had other plans.
Barrow Strikes Again Before Lenkupae’s Heroic Equalizer
In the 83rd minute, Gambia restored their lead in controversial fashion. Barrow found himself unmarked inside the penalty area and simply walked the ball into the net. The Kenyan defenders had stopped, expecting an offside call that never came. Their protests were ignored, and Gambia led 3-2 with just minutes remaining.
With time running out, Kenya threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. As the game entered added time, the Harambee Stars continued to press, refusing to accept defeat.
Then, in the 96th minute, debutant William Lenkupae became Kenya’s hero. The substitute found space inside the box and fired home a dramatic equalizer, sending the Kenyan fans into wild celebrations. It was the perfect way to mark his first appearance for the national team.
Debut Delight!
William Wilson Lenkupae at the death! 3:3#FootballKE #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/lcRHS1Xks2
— Epps (@kennepps) March 20, 2025
Kenya’s Qualification Hopes Stay Alive
The thrilling draw keeps Kenya in fourth place in Group F with six points. With several matches still to play, the Harambee Stars remain in contention for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Next up, Kenya will face Gabon on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium. Gabon, who secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Seychelles in their latest fixture, will pose a tough challenge. However, after their spirited comeback against Gambia, Kenya will be full of confidence heading into the crucial match.
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