Reflection on Harambee Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Campaign

Kenya’s 2026 World Cup Qualifying campaign may not have ended in qualification, but it showcased a team on the rise, resilient, ambitious, and full of promise. The Harambee Stars battled bravely across ten matches, leaving with valuable lessons and renewed belief for the future.

The team finished in fourth place with 12 points, in a competitive group F that featured Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Gabon, Burundi, and Seychelles.

Kenya vs Gabon

Kenya kicked off their qualifying campaign away to Gabon. Stars took the lead in the 40th minute when Amos Nondi delivered a beautiful cross that Masud Juma headed home. However, Gabon rallied back through Denis Bouanga’s 60th-minute equalizer and a late winner from Guelor Kanga in the 88th minute, ending the match 2–1.

In the return leg at a packed Nyayo Stadium, the atmosphere was electric as fans rallied behind the team. Rejuvenated under new coach Benni McCarthy, Harambee showed fighting spirit despite going 2–0 down courtesy of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brace (16’, 52’ pen).

Kenya created several chances, Michael Olunga’s goal was disallowed for offside, and another shot struck the post—before Olunga finally found the net in the 62nd minute after an excellent run and assist by Erick Ouma. The match ended 2–1 in favor of Gabon, but the performance gave plenty of encouragement.

Kenya vs Burundi

In the first meeting, Kenya dominated for long spells and finally broke the deadlock when Austine Odhiambo teed up Duke Abuya, who calmly slotted past Jonathan Nahimana. However, Burundi equalized late through Abdallah Sudi in the 85th minute.

The return fixture in Bujumbura saw Kenya secure a narrow 1–0 victory, thanks to Ryan Ogam’s 72nd-minute strike creating an immediate impact after coming off the bench.

Kenya vs The Gambia

The first leg against The Gambia, played at Stade Alassane Ouattara, was a thrilling 3–3 draw. The hosts led 2–0 by the 61st minute before Olunga pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 67th. Gambia’s Minteh restored their two-goal cushion, but Kenya’s substitutes made the difference late on. Mohammed Bajaber struck a sensational goal, and William Lenkupae netted the equalizer deep into stoppage time.

In the return match at Kasarani Stadium, The Gambia took control early, scoring three first-half goals. Ryan Ogam, coming off the bench, grabbed a goal in the 81st minute, with the game ending 3–1 in favor of the visitors.

Kenya vs Seychelles

These fixtures against Seychelles produced Kenya’s most emphatic results of the campaign. Both matches ended in identical 5–0 victories.

In the away leg, Michael Olunga struck twice, with additional goals from Masud Juma, Ronney Onyango, and Benson Omalla.
In the return fixture at home, Olunga again bagged a brace, while Ryan Ogam also scored twice and Collins Sichenje added one to complete the victory.

Kenya vs Ivory Coast

Kenya’s second match of the campaign was a hard-fought 0–0 draw against Ivory Coast, a result that displayed defensive discipline and composure. In the reverse fixture, which was also the final group match, the reigning African champions proved too strong, defeating Kenya 3–0 with goals from Franck Kessie, Amad Diallo, and Yan Diomande.

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Numbers

The Harambee Stars wrapped up their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign with a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, scoring 18 goals and conceding 14. The biggest goal contributions were from captain Michael Olunga with 6 goals and 2 assists in total.

Goal scorers:

• Michael Olunga – 6

• Ryan Ogam – 4

• Masud Juma – 2

• William Lenkupae – 1

• Mohammed Bajaber – 1

• Duke Abuya – 1

• Ronney Onyango – 1

• Benson Omalla – 1

• Collins Sichenje – 1

Assists:

• Eric Ouma – 3

• Michael Olunga – 2

• Duke Abuya – 2

• Ronney Onyango – 2

• Amos Nondi – 1

• Abud Omar – 1

• Austine Odhiambo – 1

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