Nairobi, Kenya: In a highly anticipated World Cup qualifying match, Kenya’s Harambee Stars faced a crushing 3-1 defeat against visiting Gambia’s Scorpions at the packed Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani.
The game, held on Friday, September 5, showcased a dominant performance from the Gambian side, which saw them leapfrog Kenya in the standings, enhancing their hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The clash opened with an electrifying atmosphere as both teams sought to secure vital points. Kenya nearly took the lead early on when forward Emmanuel Osoro seized on a loose ball in the seventh minute, but his hurried shot sailed over the crossbar. This promising start, however, quickly faded as Gambia struck first.
In the 12th minute, Sheriff Sinyan, a defender for CFR Cluj, capitalized on a corner taken by Yankuba Minteh, rising above the Kenyan defense to nod the ball home.
The goal silenced the home crowd, sending an early message of dominance from the visitors. Just moments later, Kenya thought they had equalized when Timothy Ouma’s stunning volley found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Gambia quickly extended their lead in the 26th minute. Minteh, showcasing his pace and composure, initiated a swift counterattack, sprinting past the Kenyan backline before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Bryne Omondi. The home side fought back, with Michael Olunga and Osoro creating threatening opportunities, but Gambia’s goalkeeper, Baboucarr Gaye, was equal to the task, denying their efforts.
Exerting relentless pressure, Gambia ultimately found their third goal in the 35th minute. Musa Barrow, playing for Al-Taawoun, latched onto Adama Sidibeh’s ingenious pass and unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net. Despite a late opportunity for Kenya just before halftime, where Olunga’s low cross was poorly finished by Osoro, the hosts went into the break trailing 3-0.
Following the interval, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy made crucial substitutions, introducing Mansur Suleiman Okaro and Alpha Onyango to invigorate the squad’s offensive play. Almost immediately, Olunga came close to scoring, only for his powerful strike to narrowly miss the target. Onyango’s fierce shot was deflected for a corner, signaling Kenya’s increased urgency.
In the 54th minute, Kenya believed they had found their way back into the match when Duke Abuya tapped the ball in from close range, but the goal was controversially disallowed for offside. Yet, as the game progressed, McCarthy made further changes, bringing on Ryan Ogam from Wolfsberger AC and Job Ochieng from Real Sociedad B to boost their attack.
Kenya’s persistence finally paid off with just nine minutes remaining. Ogam skillfully controlled a pass from Mansur inside the box and executed a clever finish over Gaye, sending a wave of hope through the home supporters. Despite the momentum shifting towards Kenya in the closing stages of the game, Gambia’s captain Omar Colley led a resolute defense that managed to thwart further attacks.
In the end, Gambia held on for a vital victory, earning three crucial points that propelled them past Kenya in Group F standings. The defeat proved to be a significant setback for the Harambee Stars as they continue their quest to qualify for the World Cup, while Gambia’s win breathed fresh life into their qualifying ambitions.