Aasai

Harambee Stars dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was officially ended on Friday this comes after they were beaten 3-1 by The Gambia Scorpions in a CAF Group F qualifier at Kasarani Stadium. 

The Scorpions, under the guidance of former Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry, set up a first-half showdown with Benni McCarthys men in a bid to revive their bid to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

 Harambee Stars, who were drawn in a draw to secure a place in the final, were outplayed by a Gambian side who controlled the match for the first half hour. Kenyas defensive weaknesses were evident early on when Sulayman Sinyan headed home a 12th-minute header from Brighton & Hove Albion forward Yankuba. Harambee Stars corner. 

Minteh, who had proven difficult to deal with the Kenyan defence, doubled the visitors’ lead in the 26th minute, curling the ball into the bottom left corner, taking advantage of a change in midfield. Gambia extended their lead in the 38th minute and put the game to bed when Musa Barrow fired a powerful shot into the far corner of the net – a feat that led to their brutality in front of goal.

 Kenya’s defence looked shaky throughout the game, and frustrations mounted at half-time when Collins Sichenje was sent off for a random foul, which left coach Benni McCarthy looking confused on the touchline. Harambee Stars showed more fight in the interval after two half-time substitutions revived the team, and their patience was rewarded in the 81st minute. 

Ryan Ogam, who came off the bench, collected the ball in the centre of the penalty area and fired it with his weak right foot to give the home side hope. Unfortunately, it was too late as the visitors were able to see out the game and claim all three points on offer. 

The result leaves Kenya stuck on six points in Group F, with their 2026 World Cup dream officially over despite three matches still to be played. Gambia, meanwhile, rose above them and kept their hopes of qualifying alive, although daunting tests against Burundi and Gabon still await. For Kenya, the focus now turns to Tuesdays home game against Seychelles, where they will be hoping to end the international break with at least a big better win for them, as they look to start building momentum towards their AFCON 2027 campaign, where Kenya will be among the hosts.