Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, is set to face The Gambia in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Thursday in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The match, which will kick off at 10 PM East Africa Time, sees The Gambia playing as hosts due to a lack of CAF/FIFA-accredited facilities in their home country.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, acknowledging The Gambia as a tough opponent. “Everyone is looking forward to these fixtures. The group is still open, and we know Gambia is a rising team in Africa with a strong squad. It will be a great match to showcase our capabilities,” Olunga said before the team’s departure for Ivory Coast.
Kenya, under newly appointed head coach Benni McCarthy, is aiming to reassert itself in the competition. Olunga emphasized the importance of adapting to the coach’s new playing style. “It’s a fresh start with different dynamics. We need patience as we adjust, but I’m eager to see what these young Kenyan players can do. Hopefully, we can achieve a positive result,” he added.
Coach McCarthy, in his first assignment since taking charge last month, expressed enthusiasm about working with the squad. “I’m excited to lead my first World Cup qualifiers. This is a talented group, and while there’s a lot of hard work ahead, we’re ready to take on the challenge as a team,” he stated.
Following the match against Gambia, Kenya will host Gabon on March 23 at Nyayo National Stadium in another crucial qualifier. Currently, Kenya sits fourth in Group F with five points after securing a win against Seychelles and drawing against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, followed by Gabon with nine and Burundi with seven.
Harambee Stars Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo
Defenders: Jonestone Omurwa, Brian Mandela, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, Erick Ouma, Manzur Okwaro, Ronny Onyango
Midfielders: Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Ismael Gonzalez, Timothy Ouma, Eric Johana, Duke Abuya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley Omondi
Forwards: Masud Juma, Jonah Ayunga, Elvis Rupia, John Avire, Michael Olunga
