CHAN hangover? Gambia annihilate poor Harambee Stars as fans are left shocked
Kenya’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes officially came to an end on Friday, September 5, after a crushing 3-1 defeat to The Gambia at Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani.
The loss left Harambee Stars out of contention in Group F, sparking dismay among fans who had turned out to back the national team.
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The Group F encounter came just two weeks after Kenya’s painful exit from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the quarterfinal stage, a setback that seems to have carried into the World Cup campaign.
For Harambee Stars, the much-anticipated clash against The Gambia offered a chance to bounce back and restore confidence, but the visitors proved ruthless, scoring all three first-half goals.
The game started with Kenya showing early intent as William Lenkupae twice tested The Gambia’s defence in the opening minutes.
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However, the West Africans struck first in the 12th minute when Sheriff Sinyan capitalised on a corner to put the visitors ahead 1-0. Kenya thought they had equalised almost immediately, but their effort was ruled offside, dampening the momentum.
Things got worse for the home side in the 26th minute when Yankuba Minteh doubled The Gambia’s lead, leaving goalkeeper Byrne Omondi with little chance. The stadium fell into silence twelve minutes later when Musa Barrow made it 3-0, all but ending Kenya’s hopes before half-time.
The second half saw Harambee Stars attempt to regroup, with substitutions bringing in fresh legs. Manzur Okwaro replaced Timothy Ouma, while Alpha Onyango came in for Richard Odada.
Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam spearheaded the search for a breakthrough, but The Gambia’s goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye remained solid. Kenya eventually pulled one back in the 81st minute through Ogam, but it proved only a consolation as the match ended 3-1 in favour of the visitors.
Yellow cards were issued to Kenya’s Abdur Omar, Duke Abuya, Collins Sichenje, and Silvester Owino, while Gambia’s Ebou Adams, Joseph Ceesay, and Abubakhr Barry were also booked, reflecting the physical nature of the encounter.
The defeat was not just another loss but a decisive blow, eliminating Kenya from the qualifying race.
It was also a stark reminder of the gaps that remain in the team’s structure, especially coming so soon after the CHAN heartbreak.
On August 22, 2025, Harambee Stars had been knocked out of CHAN by Madagascar in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Alphonce Omija had put Kenya ahead in the 48th minute before Madagascar equalised through a penalty converted by Gilles Razafimaro in the 69th.
Kenya then missed two crucial penalties through Mike Kibwage and Omija, allowing Madagascar to advance 4-3.
The loss in Kasarani was Kenya’s third in the World Cup qualifiers, in which they managed only one win and three draws.
With this result, Kenya remains fifth in Group F with seven points, while Gambia moves to fourth with eight points. Both teams are now out of the running for a spot in next year’s World Cup in the USA.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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