Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy faces a crucial encounter when his team takes on Gabon in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday. The match, set to kick off at 4pm East African time, presents a must-win situation for Kenya if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive for next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
McCarthy is under increasing pressure following his team’s 3-3 draw against The Gambia, which, combined with Gabon’s 3-0 victory over Seychelles and Ivory Coast’s narrow 1-0 win over Burundi, has left Kenya in a difficult position. The current standings place Ivory Coast at the top of Group F with 13 points, followed closely by Gabon with 12. Burundi sits third with seven points, while Kenya has six and The Gambia four.
With five matches still to be played, Kenya cannot afford another slip-up. A loss or even a draw against Gabon would significantly diminish their chances of securing a spot in the playoffs. Burundi faces Seychelles, a game they are expected to win, which would see them pull further ahead of Kenya. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast and Gabon could extend their lead to 10 and nine points, respectively, if they emerge victorious in their Matchday 6 fixtures.
Given these circumstances, McCarthy must find a winning formula to overcome The Panthers. The positive news for Kenya is that they will have the full backing of their supporters, with Nyayo Stadium sold out for this high-stakes clash.
A win against Gabon would elevate Kenya to nine points from six matches, putting them within striking distance of second place. Such a result would leave them only three points behind Gabon and just one behind Burundi, assuming Burundi wins against Seychelles. This scenario would keep their playoff aspirations alive, as finishing second in the group guarantees a place in the qualification playoffs.
Additionally, a victory would temporarily reduce Ivory Coast’s lead to four points, at least until the African champions host The Gambia on Monday. That means Kenya would still be in contention for an automatic qualification spot if they can build momentum in the remaining matches.
The midfield battle will be critical in determining the outcome of the match, as controlling possession and dictating the pace of play could tilt the odds in Kenya’s favor. McCarthy will need to ensure his side is well-organized, disciplined, and efficient in converting their chances against a strong Gabonese team.
With the stakes this high, Harambee Stars must deliver a spirited performance to keep their World Cup dream alive. A win on Sunday would reinvigorate their campaign and provide a much-needed boost heading into the crucial final stretch of qualifiers.
