Kenya’s Harambee Stars will lock horns with The Gambia in a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The match, set to take place at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Côte d’Ivoire, is a crucial fixture for both teams as they strive to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Group F Standings and Stakes
African champions Ivory Coast lead Group F standings with 10 points, followed closely by Gabon (9 points) and Burundi (7 points). Kenya currently sits fourth with 5 points, while Gambia is fifth with 3 points. Seychelles remain at the bottom, having lost all their matches so far. With only the top team guaranteed a direct qualification and the four best second-placed sides advancing to the play-offs, both Kenya and Gambia must secure maximum points to stay in contention.
Gambia’s Challenge Under McKinstry
The Scorpions, coached by Northern Irish tactician Johnathan McKinstry, are determined to turn their fortunes around. McKinstry, who previously won two Kenyan Premier League titles with Gor Mahia (2022-23, 2023-24), is well-acquainted with several Harambee Stars players. His squad includes Premier League star Yankuba Minteh of Brighton & Hove Albion, former Atalanta and Bologna forward Musa Barrow, Azam FC’s in-form striker Gibril Sillah, among others. Despite their recent 3-2 loss to Gabon in the qualifiers, Gambia will be buoyed by their CHAN qualifiers victory over the same opponents earlier this month.
Speaking after the team’s first training session in Ivory Coast, McKinstry expressed optimism: “It’s very lively in the camp, the energy is there. The guys haven’t been together for five months, so everyone’s pleased to reunite. Hopefully, this energy will translate into a strong performance against Kenya. It’s important for us to pick as many points as possible over these two games.”
Benni McCarthy’s Debut on the Touchline
Kenya’s Harambee Stars enter this fixture with a new face at the helm—South African legend and former Manchester United forwards coach Benni McCarthy. This will be McCarthy’s first match in charge of a national team, and he is eager to make an impact.
“I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers,” McCarthy said. “I’m eager to work with this talented squad. There’s plenty of hard work ahead, but we’re ready to embrace the challenge.”
Kenya started their qualification campaign with a loss to Gabon but has since recovered with a victory over Seychelles and draws against Burundi and African champions Ivory Coast. However, the team is still reeling from the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
McCarthy has named a strong squad for the qualifiers, though the absence of Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu is a notable setback. Captain Michael Olunga will lead the attack, supported by forwards Jonah Ayunga, Masud Juma, John Avire, and Elvis Rupia. Young talents Manzur Okwaro, Mohamed Ali Bajaber, and Ben Stanley Omondi are also in line to make their official debuts.
Qualification Hopes Hang in the Balance
With Ivory Coast in pole position, Kenya must win against Gambia and secure another victory at home against second-placed Gabon to stand a realistic chance of advancing to the play-offs. Gambia, on the other hand, must win their remaining matches to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter under the lights in Abidjan, with both teams desperate for a victory. Will McCarthy mark his debut with a crucial win, or will McKinstry use his knowledge of Kenyan football to mastermind Gambia’s resurgence? All eyes will be on the pitch as the battle for World Cup qualification intensifies.
