D-Day for Harambee Stars in World Cup Qualifiers test against Gabon

Let the serious games begin.

Kenya men’s national team - Harambee Stars - will this evening begin their quest to gracing their first ever appearance in the World Cup when they take on hosts Gabon in the opening Group F game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The game, a first competitive fixture for the Kenyan side since 15 November 2021 - when Stars registered a 2-1 win over Rwanda at the Nyayo National Stadium - will be staged at the Stade de la Rénovation de Franceville, and is set to kick off at 1900 EAT.

Joining Stars in the pool are Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Burundi and Seychelles, but Thursday evening will provide much of a better look of what to expect in the qualification phase that only ends in October 2025.

Team state

Harambee Stars are likely to be without four of their ideal defensive starters in this game, following the unfortunate injuries to majority of them, beginning with goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo - who was injured in Kenya’s last friendly game against Russia - and Joseph Okumu, who didn’t travel with the team.

Also on the unavailable list is Erick "Marcelo Ouma, and right back Daniel Anyembe, all ruled out from the game due to injuries.

Offensively, Ayub Timbe, albeit available, carries some injury concerns too.

What has been said

Responding to the team’s chances, Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat on Wednesday said that “it is really tough” given the aforementioned injury issues and player absences.

“It is difficult,” Firat said after his squad had taken part in Wednesday's late training session. “Our backline is totally missing and we therefore will look very different.”

Among the players he mentioned to be missing are: Bryne Odhiambo, Daniel Anyembe, Brian Mandela, Collins Sichenje, Joseph Okumu and Erick Ouma.

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“This is really tough because they have been playing together and were enjoying their time on the field,” he said. “We will have to play with players who have never played together but in the end, there will be 11 Kenyan players who will give their best.”

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Team forms

This fixture will see two teams with contracting forms clash.

On the Kenyan side, after serving some time out due to the FIFA ban, Stars have played six international friendlies in 2023, winning two, losing three, and drawing once.

Their last three games have consisted of a 2-2 draw vs Russia, 0-1 loss to South Sudan, and a 2-1 win over Qatar.

Gabon, on the other hand, are winless in their last four fixtures, and this game comes in the backdrop of their poor showing in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers where they finished third in Group I, and only a point above lowly Sudan.

The last win for the Panthers was in March, when Lloyd Palun scored in a 1-0 over Sudan.

Head to Head

Kenya has played Gabon four times in the past, registering two wins, one draw and one defeat.

Kenya’s last victory was a 2-1 win in 2001, with the latest fixture ending in a 1-1 draw on 24 March 2001 (2002 AFCON Qualifier).

FIFA Rankings

Kenya is placed 110 in the latest October rankings, Gabon is ranked 86th.

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Key Stats

Gabon are unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 competitive matches played at home since November 2019.

Their only defeat in those four years came in June, when they lost 2-0 to DR Congo.

A win will therefore not only break significant home dominance, but also set the pace for Harambee Stars in the long qualification journey.

“I need all of us to understand that this is not a sprint. It is a marathon,” Firat said. “It takes more than two years till its finished. What matters is the result at the end.”

Let the serious games begin then.

Harambee Stars travelling squad:

Goalkeepers

Patrick Matasi, Joseph Ochuka, Ian Otieno

Defenders

Nabi Kibunguchy, Haniff Wesonga, Daniel Sakari, Dennis Nganga, Johnstone Omurwa, Abud Omar, Amos Nondi, Eric Ouma

Midfielders

Ayub Masika, Alfred Scriven, Duke Abuya, Rooney Onyango, Duncan Otieno, Richard Odada, Kenneth Muguna, Anthony Akumu, Timothy Ouma, Eric Johanna

Forwards

Masud Juma, Michael Olunga, Benson Omala.