With fighting spirit back, Kenyans can dare dream of World Cup

When Harambee Stars was trailing 2-0 with 65 minutes played against Gambia on Thursday night, many Kenyans had indeed written off the team’s chances of pulling a comeback.

The confidence that was brought by new star coach Benni McCarthy started to fade away from the fans back home and those who were in the stadium in Ivory Coast.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/football/article/2001513996/mccarthy-names-harambee-stars-travelling-squad-for-world-cup-qualifier-vs-gambia">However, the confidence< of the players at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast was at its peak as Michael Olunga, Mohammed Bajaber, and William Lenkupae managed to dig out Harambee Stars from the mad and force a 3-3 draw.

Musa Barrow gave Gambia the lead with a stunning shot from the edge of the box in the 55th minute before Brighton midfielder Yankuba Minteh made it 2-0 with a near-post finish in the 61st minute.

Olunga cut the gap to 2-1 with a penalty in the 69th minute before Kenya Police striker Bajaber leveled the scores with a stunner of his own after a top-corner finish.

Barrow returned to put the hosts 3-2 up with six minutes left on the clock but Lenkupae came off the bench to score in extra time and force a 3-3 draw at the death.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/football/article/2001513542/benni-mccarthy-names-harambee-stars-provisional-squad-for-2026-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers">“You will be a fool to give up.< I think even the opposing coach will tell you that teams will drop points somewhere down the line. Gambia can beat Ivory Coast as much as they can beat Gabon. Kenya can beat Ivory Coast and Gabon. It is very open,” said McCarthy.

“The teams sitting at the top took the opportunity to collect points early. We have five games to go, which means there are many points up on offer. We are hopeful.”

The draw leaves Kenya fourth in Group F with six points from five matches and now, they are six points behind leaders Gabon, who thrashed Seychelles 3-0 on Thursday.

Ivory Coast, who are on 10 points and Burundi, on seven, were due to play each other last night.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/football/article/2001512851/benni-mccarthy-set-for-kicc-unveiling-as-new-harambee-stars-coach">With five matches< to go, Kenya have 15 points to fight for and must make sure that they beat Gabon, The Gambia and Seychelles at home, and try and get maximum points away to Burundi.

Kenya must finish second in the standings if not top. A top spot finish will guarantee them direct ticket to USA next year and a second position will see them enter the playoffs for a chance to travel and grace next year’s World Cup.

Harambee Stars next three games are at home, starting with Gabon tomorrow before they host Gambia and Seychelles in September, after which trips to Burundi and Ivory Coast will follow in October.