Harambee Stars secured a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia in a World Cup qualifier, demonstrating resilience by coming from behind twice. Coach Benni McCarthy praised his team’s fighting spirit, especially the contributions of substitutes Mohamed Bajaber and William Wilson. Despite challenges and limited preparation, McCarthy remains optimistic about Kenya’s future matches in the qualifiers.
In a remarkable display of resilience, Harambee Stars achieved a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Abidjan. Coach Benni McCarthy commended his team’s tenacity, particularly noting the significant contributions of substitutes Mohamed Bajaber and William Wilson, who played pivotal roles in securing a crucial point for Kenya.
During the match, which marked the inaugural encounter between the two nations, Harambee Stars exhibited a commendable fighting spirit. Coach McCarthy expressed satisfaction despite the team’s limited preparation time, having conducted only one training session prior to the match. “The draw does not help us or Gambia, but I will take it because we earned it against a team that has been together longer than us,” he stated.
The contest, staged in Ivory Coast due to Gambia’s stadium unavailability, featured a lacklustre first half followed by an exhilarating second. Gambia took a 2-0 lead with goals from Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh before Kenya responded fiercely, equalizing through captain Michael Olunga and Bajaber. Despite Gambia regaining the lead, Wilson’s dramatic equaliser in stoppage time secured a remarkable draw for Harambee Stars.
Benni McCarthy’s tactical substitutions were critical in turning the tide. He noted that, while the first half was competitive, his side faced challenges in the second half due to fatigue from the heat and altitude. “The second half was tougher; maybe the heat and altitude affected us. Still, I’m happy with our determination and fight,” he acknowledged.
The coach also praised Bajaber’s stunning goal and hinted at potential squad adjustments for their upcoming match against Gabon, reflecting on player fatigue. “The players gave me their all, and I know some are fatigued. We need to manage their recovery,” he mentioned.
In the Group F standings, Kenya holds fourth place with six points, while Gambia resides in fifth with four. McCarthy maintains a positive outlook despite the challenges ahead, stating, “I know Ivory Coast and Gabon have pulled ahead, but anything can happen. They could lose to Gambia, and we can beat them as well.”
Conversely, Gambia’s coach, Johnathan McKinstry, expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, attributing the draw to critical mistakes. He acknowledged Kenya’s tenacity but lamented his own players’ complacency following their initial lead. “I’m furious and frustrated. You can’t make such errors at this level and expect not to be punished,” he admitted.
In conclusion, the match between Harambee Stars and Gambia showcased the remarkable spirit and determination of the Kenyan team, as highlighted by coach Benni McCarthy. His emphasis on the need for strategic adjustments and the acknowledgment of player fatigue points towards future challenges. While Gambia’s coach expresses frustration over missed opportunities, the draw serves as a crucial moment for both teams in the World Cup qualifying campaign, with future fixtures promising to be equally engaging.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
