Harambee see Stars against Gambia as 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes go up in smoke

The Gambia delivered a ruthless display at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, handing Harambee Stars a humbling 3-1 defeat in the return leg of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday 5 September.

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First-half goals from Sheriff Sinyan, Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow gave the Scorpions a commanding lead, effectively sealing victory before the break.

Kenya pulled one back late through substitute Ryan Ogam, but the damage had already been done.

The result saw Gambia leapfrog Kenya into fourth place in Group F with seven points, significantly boosting their qualification hopes.

The clash began with intensity, both sides chasing maximum points from the onset.

Kenya nearly took an early lead in the seventh minute when forward Emmanuel Osoro latched onto a loose ball, but the Power Dynamos man rushed his attempt and fired over the bar.

Despite the promising start from the hosts, it was Gambia who struck first. In the 12th minute, CFR Cluj defender Sheriff Sinyan rose highest to nod in a Yankuba Minteh corner, silencing the home crowd.

Kenya thought they had equalised moments later when Timothy Ouma produced a brilliant volley, but the effort was ruled out for offside in the build-up involving Osoro.

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Michael Olunga then tested goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye with a precise header, but the Gambian custodian held firm.

The visitors doubled their advantage in the 26th minute through Minteh.

The Brighton & Hove Albion winger initiated a swift counterattack, raced past Kenya’s backline and calmly slotted past Bryne Omondi.

Kenya responded with urgency. Olunga combined with Osoro to unleash a powerful strike, only to be denied once again by Gaye.

Defender Sylvester Owino also came close with a header from Aboud Omar’s cross, but the effort drifted wide.

At the half-hour mark, Minteh almost grabbed his second after breezing past Collins Shichenje, only for Omar to clear with a last-ditch challenge.

However, Gambia’s pressure eventually paid. In the 35th minute, Al-Taawoun forward Musa Barrow latched onto Adama Sidibeh’s weighted pass and rifled in a third, leaving Harambee Stars with a mountain to climb.

The hosts nearly reduced the deficit on the stroke of halftime when Olunga’s low cross found Osoro, but the striker failed to convert as Kenya went into the break trailing 3-0.

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Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy introduced Mansur Suleiman Okaro and Alpha Onyango after the restart, sparking renewed urgency in attack. 

Within minutes, Olunga came agonisingly close with a powerful effort that sailed inches wide. Onyango too nearly made an instant impact with a fierce shot that was deflected for a corner.

Kenya thought they had finally pulled one back in the 54th minute when Duke Abuya tapped in from close range, but the goal was chalked off for offside in the build-up. 

McCarthy continued to ring changes, bringing on Wolfsberger AC forward Ryan Ogam and later Real Sociedad B striker Job Ochieng in a bid to inject fresh firepower.

With nine minutes left, the substitutions finally paid off. Ogam controlled Mansur’s delivery inside the box before looping a clever finish past Gaye to restore hope for the home fans.

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Despite Kenya’s late surge and relentless pressure in the closing stages, Gambia stood tall, with captain Omar Colley marshalling his defence to protect the lead.

The Scorpions weathered the storm and held on for a vital three points that lifted them above Harambee Stars in the group standings.