Fresh off a thrilling encounter, Kenya continue their quest for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup as they welcome Gabon to Nyayo National Stadium for round six on Sunday.
The Harambee Stars arrive at this clash buoyed by a dramatic 3-3 comeback draw against Gambia in Ivory Coast on Thursday night, a result that kept their qualification hopes alive.
Match preview
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Kenya snatched a point from the jaws of defeat in Abidjan after a frantic second half that saw both teams find the net three times, with Benni McCarthy's side erasing a two-goal deficit through strikes from Michael Olunga in the 69th minute and Mohammed Bajaber six minutes later, only to fall behind again before William Wilson salvaged a result with the last kick of the game.
That draw left the Harambee Stars fourth in Group F with six points from one win, three draws and a defeat, six points behind this weekend's opponent at the summit and four adrift of second-placed Ivory Coast, who still have a game in hand ahead of their matchday five clash with Burundi on Friday night.
McCarthy, who took charge of his first game against Gambia, remains optimistic about his side's qualification chances, insisting the group is still wide open despite the top teams capitalising on their early opportunities.
Now entering the second half of the qualifiers, the Harambee Stars must secure victory against Gabon in Nairobi, marking their first competitive home match in four years.
Nyayo National Stadium, which reopened to fans on March 16, will stage this encounter, with Kenya looking to harness the energy of the 12th man as they aim to keep their World Cup dream alive.
However, recent competitive form does not favour the hosts, who have now gone seven matches without a win, suffering three defeats and drawing each of their last four outings.
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Meanwhile, Gabon continued their impressive World Cup qualification campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Seychelles, propelling them to the top of the standings pending Ivory Coast's result against Burundi.
That win saw the Panthers keep their first clean sheet of the qualifiers, taking their tally to 12 points from four wins and a single loss, which leaves them two points clear at the summit for now.
Thierry Mouyouma's men have been an exciting force in the campaign, scoring 10 goals while conceding five, hitting at least two in four of their five matches, with the only exception being their 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast.
Gabon now turn their focus to a Kenya side that has also netted 10 times but struggled defensively, conceding six, which could set the stage for another high-scoring affair, though the visitors must tighten up at the back to avoid being exposed.
Nevertheless, the Panthers will be confident heading into this encounter, drawing inspiration from their 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture — their only previous meeting — as they look to strengthen their World Cup bid.
Team News
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Kenya fielded an experienced lineup against Gambia, but after conceding three, McCarthy may look to freshen up his defence.
Brian Mandela and Daniel Anyembe struggled at the heart of the backline, putting their places under threat, with Johnstone Omurwa a strong candidate to start after being left on the bench last time out.
Changes could also be made in midfield, with Bajaber and Wilson pushing for starts after making an impact off the bench on Thursday, while captain Olunga could lead the line once more.
Gabon finished their win over Seychelles without any injury concerns, which could see Mouyouma retain a similar lineup for this clash.
A 4-3-3 formation was deployed in that game, with Jim Allevinah and Denis Bouanga — both on target with one and two goals, respectively — flanking Shavy Babicka in a three-man attack.
Meanwhile, Loyce Mbaba should continue in goal, protected by a back four of Anthony Oyono, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Urie-Michel Mboula and Johann Obiang, with Guelor Kanga, Clech Loufilou and Medwin Biteghe controlling the midfield.
Kenya possible starting lineup:
Otieno; Onyango, Omurwa, Anyembe, Ouma; Akumu, Abuya; Bajaber, Wilson, Avire; Olunga
Gabon possible starting lineup:
Mbaba; Oyono, Manga, Mboula, Obiang; Kanga, Loufilou, Biteghe; Allevinah, Babicka, Bouanga
We say: Kenya 1-0 Gabon
Gabon have had the stronger campaign so far, and while they have not been particularly dominant across all competitions — registering four wins, two draws and three defeats in their last nine matches — they have shown resilience on the road, claiming two victories and a draw.
However, Kenya's long-awaited return to home soil, backed by a passionate crowd at Nyayo Stadium, could tilt the balance in their favour in a contest where both teams are likely to find the net.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
