Harambee Stars secured a dramatic 3-3 draw against Gambia in a World Cup qualifier, demonstrating significant resilience by coming from behind twice. Coach Benni McCarthy praised the team’s fighting spirit and effective substitutions. While both teams faced challenges, McCarthy remains optimistic about future matches despite their current standings.
Harambee Stars achieved a remarkable 3-3 draw against Gambia in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier held in Abidjan, with Coach Benni McCarthy commending his team’s resilience. The match marked the first encounter between the two nations, showcasing extraordinary determination from the Kenyan players, particularly substitutes Mohamed Bajaber and William Wilson, who played pivotal roles in securing the tie.
Despite arriving in Abidjan just two days before the match with only one training session, Coach McCarthy expressed satisfaction with the outcome, even though he had anticipated a different result. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Gambia’s cohesive team dynamics while appreciating his players’ fighting spirit in overcoming adversity during the game.
McCarthy stated, “The draw does not help us or Gambia, but I will take it… My players are still learning to play together. We showed great fighting spirit.” He also reflected on the high stakes of the match, emphasizing, “This was a match both teams wanted to win badly.” His analysis highlighted the shift in momentum that characterized the second half, in stark contrast to the first.
The match, held in Ivory Coast due to Gambia’s stadium issues, began slowly but escalated with Gambia taking a 2-0 lead in the second half, thanks to goals from Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh. Kenya responded vigorously, with captain Michael Olunga netting a penalty followed by Bajaber’s stunning equalizer. Barrow scored again for Gambia, but Wilson salvage the draw for Kenya deep into injury time.
McCarthy credited his strategic substitutions, noting Ayunga’s role in winning the penalty and Bajaber and Wilson’s contributions to the goals. He remarked, “In the first half, we had a chance to take the lead… The second half was tougher; maybe the heat and altitude affected us,” while also admitting the team was lucky with the penalty decision.
Praising the young players, McCarthy specifically highlighted Bajaber’s impressive strike, hinting at potential squad rotations for the upcoming match against Gabon to manage player fatigue. Currently, Kenya sits fourth in Group F with six points, while Gambia is in fifth with four points, yet McCarthy maintained a sense of optimism for the team’s future prospects.
In contrast, Gambia’s coach, Johnathan McKinstry, expressed frustration with his team’s complacency after leading 2-0. He lamented, “You can’t make such errors at this level and expect not to be punished,” while acknowledging Kenya’s fighting spirit. Both teams are now focused on upcoming matches—Harambee Stars against Gabon and Gambia versus Ivory Coast.
In conclusion, the match between Harambee Stars and Gambia showcased remarkable resilience and determination from the Kenyan team, earning a valuable draw against a well-prepared opponent. Coach Benni McCarthy praised his players for their fighting spirit and effective substitutions, despite expressing a desire for a win. The contrasting perspectives from both coaches highlight the intensity and competitive nature of the encounter, setting the stage for the next challenges for both teams within the World Cup qualifying framework.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
