Kenya’s Harambee Stars continue their journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a crucial match against Gambia. The East African nation is seeking its first-ever qualification for the global showpiece, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This fixture, set to take place at a neutral venue in Ivory Coast, presents a golden opportunity for Kenya to move up the Group F standings.
With new coach Benni McCarthy at the helm, Harambee Stars will be looking to claim maximum points against a Gambia side that has struggled in the campaign so far.
When and Where is Kenya vs Gambia?
The World Cup qualifier between Gambia and Kenya is scheduled for Thursday, March 20th, 2025. Kickoff is at 22:00 EAT (20:00 CET).
Due to Gambia’s lack of an approved stadium for high-standard international matches, the game will be played at Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Ivory Coast. This multi-purpose stadium, also known as the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe, has a seating capacity of 60,000 and is home to the Ivory Coast national football team.
Where to Watch Kenya vs Gambia on TV?
For Kenyan fans eager to catch the action, there is currently no local broadcaster airing the game. However, the match will be available on SuperSport TV, providing live coverage for viewers in select regions.
Kenya’s Qualification Journey So Far
This match will mark Benni McCarthy’s debut as Kenya’s head coach, following the departure of Engin Firat. The South African legend will be looking to make an immediate impact and push Kenya closer to the top of Group F.
Kenya’s qualification campaign has been a mixed bag so far:
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Matchday 1 – Lost 2-1 vs Gabon (Away)
- Kenya took an early lead through Masoud Juma, but Gabon fought back with two late goals to secure the win.
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Matchday 2 – Won 5-0 vs Seychelles (Neutral)
- Kenya bounced back in style, with Michael Olunga scoring a brace and additional goals from Masoud Juma, Rooney Onyango, and Benson Omalla.
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Matchday 3 – Drew 1-1 vs Burundi (Home – Played in Malawi)
- A Duke Abuya free-kick put Kenya ahead, but a defensive error allowed Burundi to equalize late in the game.
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Matchday 4 – Drew 0-0 vs Ivory Coast (Home – Played in Malawi)
- Despite a strong performance, Kenya couldn’t break down the African champions, settling for a hard-earned point.
Kenya currently sits fourth in Group F with five points from four matches.
Gambia’s Qualification Campaign
Gambia has had a tough start to the qualifiers, managing just three points from their first four matches:
- Lost 3-2 vs Burundi
- Lost 2-0 vs Ivory Coast
- Won 5-1 vs Seychelles
- Lost 3-2 vs Gabon
The Scorpions are fifth in Group F and will be desperate for a win to stay in contention.
Squad News: Who’s Playing for Kenya?
Benni McCarthy has named a 25-man squad for the crucial tie, with captain Michael Olunga leading the attack. Defenders Joseph Okumu (Reims, France) and Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch, South Africa) provide experience at the back, while Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia) retains his spot after strong performances.
Kenya Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo
Defenders: Joseph Okumu, Jonstone Omurwa, Brian Mandela, Collins Sichenje, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, Erick Ouma, Manzur Okwaro, Ronny Onyango
Midfielders: Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Ismael Gonzalez, Timothy Ouma, Eric Johana, Duke Abuya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley Omondi
Forwards: Michael Olunga, Masoud Juma, Jonah Ayunga, Elvis Rupia, John Avire
McCarthy has expressed confidence in his team, stating that their focus is on getting a win to boost their qualification hopes.
Who’s Playing for Gambia?
Gambia coach Jonathan McKinstry, a former Gor Mahia boss, has named his final squad for the clash.
Gambia Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Ebrima Jarju, Sheikh Sibi, Musa Dibaga
Defenders: Omar Colley, Omar Gaye, Lars Joseph Ceesay, Sheriff Sinyan, Dadi Dadou Gaye, Mamadou Lion Njie
Midfielders: Saikou Touray, Ebrima Adams, Abubakar Barry, Alassana Manneh, Mahmudu Bajo, Ebrima Darboe, Ablie Jallow
Forwards: Musa Barrow, Alieu Fadera, Gibril Sillah, Yankuba Minteh, Abdoulie Sanyang, Ali Sowe, Abdoulie Ceesay, Alassana Jaffa
What are coaches saying?
Kenya coach McCarthy remained confident of beating Gambia so as to close the gap between them and group leaders Ivory Coast.
“Our first priority is the Gambia game. That is our first priority, so hopefully we can get a team ready and to go out there and fight and just bring pride to the Kenyan nation, and then we can build on from there to Gabon,” McCarthy said in a previous interview.
“If we beat Gabon, then we can hopefully say we’re on a good path, on a good way to fulfil the ultimate dream and that’s you know salvage the group stages and hopefully that we can catch Ivory Coast at number one.”
He continued: “It is going to be hard work but I think the talent and the quality that the team has speaks for itself so you know it’s just a matter of time when you get it right and things go perfect and then I think everybody will be proud of the team that they will support.”
African football legend Benni McCarthy, the new Harambee Stars coach shares his journey to the team, vision and mission for the Kenyan National team.
| Full interview: https://t.co/8L9D4AOep8 pic.twitter.com/IXXOfqcy5V
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) March 3, 2025
For McKinstry, he is worried about facing a Kenyan side under McCarthy, insisting he anticipates a more attacking game.
“Kenya is an interesting one because Kenya for the last five years, they have drawn a lot of football matches, I think in their last 20 games, they have drawn 10 of them, they have lost six of the last 20 competitive but a lot of draws,” McKinstry said
“If you had asked me six months ago, I would say we were expecting a Kenyan team, who will settle on a low block, defend and try to win off a corner or set-pieces, that is what the former coach’s strategy was, he didn’t really let the team come out and play.
“But now it is a new coach, it is a new era in Kenyan football, Benni has obviously taken over recently and, historically, Benni’s teams, if you look at his teams in South Africa whether it was AmaZulu, whether it was Cape Town City, his teams have historically wanted to press more, wanted to be more attacking.”
So far in the group, Kenya are sitting fourth with five points from four matches, Ivory Coast are leading with 10 points, Gabon second with nine points, Burundi third with seven, while Gambia are fifth with three points.
What’s at Stake?
This match is crucial for both teams. A win for Kenya would push them closer to the top of the group, keeping their World Cup dream alive. Meanwhile, Gambia needs all three points to stay in contention and climb from fifth place in Group F.
With both teams under new management and desperate for a win, expect an intense and competitive clash under the floodlights in Ivory Coast.
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