This was not the results Kenyans were expecting.
It was meant to be different, but it wasn’t. The 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium against Gabon was supposed to yield positive results for newcomer coach Benni McCarthy, but a 2-1 result is what was the outcome of the encounter.
A double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang condemned the hosts to their first loss under the South African coach.
The former Arsenal dangerman put the visitors ahead inside 16 minutes to set tone of more that was to come. He later extended Gabon’s lead at the start of second half as he converted from the spot after Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma handled in the box.
Despite Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga pulling one back in the 75th minute, it wasn’t enough to bring a smile on the faces of thousands of fans who thronged Nyayo Stadium.
Stars coach Benni McCarthy lauded his charges saying they fought a good fight and gave their best, but the result just didn’t go their way.
“I’m very proud of my players because they gave fought really hard but unfortunately, we didn’t get the win. We had home support but our opponents had the support of the referees because all the decisions went against us,” McCarthy said.
MacCarthy made several changes to his first 11 with Mohanned Bajaber, William Lenkupae Johnstone Omurwa and Timothy Ouma getting the starting nod.
Kenya would seem to be in control of the game as they surged forward and threatening the Gabonese defence.
A lapse in defence proved costly as Aubamayeng beat goalkeeper Ian Otieno to give the guests the lead. The goal would awaken the fighting spirit in the Kenyans who began their hunt for an equaliser in earnest.
Their efforts were close to paying off three minutes later but goalkeeper Maurice Mbaba cleared Lenkupae’s shot with Olunga’s goal from a rebound being disallowed.
Stars continued pressing deep into The Panthers’ territory and creating scoring chances. Olunga’s strike hit the post in the 40th minute to deny Kenyans an opportunity to restore parity.
The Kenyans then failed to score despite creating numerous chances.
Gabonese tactician Thierry Mouyouma said they were thrilled to arrive to a fully packed stadium which made them know from the onset that the game would be difficult.
