Kenya’s hopes of securing a crucial victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers suffered a setback after a 2-1 defeat to Gabon at a packed Nyayo Stadium on Sunday. Despite a spirited performance, Harambee Stars were undone by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored twice to seal Gabon’s fifth win of the campaign.
Michael Olunga found the back of the net in the second half, but Kenya could not find an equalizer, marking Benni McCarthy’s first loss as head coach of Harambee Stars.
Kenya Starts Brightly, but Aubameyang Strikes First
With home fans filling Nyayo Stadium in full voice, Kenya made an energetic start to the match. The team showed attacking intent early on, pushing forward in search of a breakthrough.
The first real chance came in the second minute when Anthony Akumu unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, forcing Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba into a save. Gabon responded quickly, with Aubameyang combining well with Mario Lemina in the seventh minute. Their swift interplay almost caught Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno off guard, but he recovered in time to clear the danger.
Harambee Stars dominated possession and created promising chances, with Eric Johanna and John Avire linking up well in attack. However, despite their positive play, Harambee Stars struggled to convert opportunities into goals.
Gabon took advantage of Kenya’s lapse in concentration in the 15th minute. Aubameyang found himself unmarked inside the box and calmly slotted the ball past Otieno to give Gabon the lead.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang first half goal for Gabon against Kenya’s Harambee Stars at Nyayo Stadium #KenyaVSGabon pic.twitter.com/FaCvDhs2tX
— FootyXperience (@FootyXperience) March 23, 2025
Harambee Stars almost responded immediately with a swift counterattack. A well-placed cross from Johnstone Omurwa found Olunga, who finished expertly, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Despite the setback, Harambee Stars continued pressing forward. Olunga had another golden opportunity in the 35th minute when he dribbled past two defenders inside the box, but his shot went just wide. Moments later, he struck a powerful left-footed effort from distance, only for the ball to cannon off the post and back into play.
Despite Kenya creating several clear chances, they went into the halftime break trailing 1-0.
Second Half: Gabon Extends Lead, Olunga Pulls One Back
At the start of the second half, Gabon made a tactical substitution, replacing Moucketou-Moussounda, who was on a yellow card.
Three minutes after the restart, Gabon doubled their lead through a penalty. A cross from the right flank struck the hand of Eric Ouma inside the box, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick despite protests from Kenyan players and fans.
Aubameyang stepped up and confidently sent Otieno the wrong way, scoring his second goal of the match and silencing the home crowd.
Penalty for Gabon after a handball by Eric Ouma Marcelo.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang with a Brace after converting the penalty !! #HarambeeStars #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/WsZ801BMlB
— Futa Fiti (@ItsFutaFiti) March 23, 2025
McCarthy reacted by making substitutions, bringing on Mohammed Bajaber and William Wilson, both of whom had impressed in Kenya’s 3-3 draw against Gambia. Their introduction injected fresh energy into the team.
In the 58th minute, Harambee Stars finally broke through. Ouma made a darting run down the left wing and delivered a perfect cross to Olunga, who rose highest to steer the ball past Mbaba. The goal ignited wild celebrations among the home fans, raising hopes of a comeback.
62′ Kenya Pulls One Back!
Michael Ogada Olunga.Kenya 1:2 Gabon#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/xrCAETlMI0
— Wanjiku Reports (@WanjikuReports) March 23, 2025
Kenya Pushes for an Equalizer, but Gabon Holds On
With momentum on their side, Kenya intensified their attacks in search of an equalizer. Olunga remained a constant threat, forcing the Gabon defense to stay on high alert.
In the 70th minute, Olunga met a cross from Richard Odada, but his header sailed just wide. Five minutes later, Wilson received a pass inside the box but was closed down quickly before he could get a shot away.
Sensing the danger, Gabon made defensive substitutions to slow down the game. They employed time-wasting tactics and disrupted Kenya’s attacking rhythm.
Despite Harambee Stars’ relentless pressure, Gabon’s defense held firm until the final whistle, securing a crucial 2-1 victory. The result strengthened their position at the top of Group F with 15 points.
What This Means for Kenya’s World Cup Hopes
The loss was a setback for Kenya in their pursuit of a first-ever World Cup qualification. However, all hope is not lost.
McCarthy had previously expressed confidence that Kenya could still secure a spot in the tournament, particularly if they win their upcoming matches against Ivory Coast, Burundi, and Seychelles.
Speaking after the match, McCarthy remained optimistic about Kenya’s chances:
“Yes, we lost today, but we are still in the race. Everyone in Group F—Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Burundi, and Gambia—has a chance. We have to focus on the next game and make sure we pick up the points we need.”
With crucial fixtures still ahead, Harambee Stars must regroup quickly and come back stronger as they continue their World Cup qualification campaign.
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