Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, is gearing up for a vital World Cup qualifier against The Gambia, scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Football fans can catch the action live on KBC TV from 10 PM East Africa Time.
Although The Gambia is the designated home team, they will play at the Allasane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast due to the absence of CAF/FIFA-accredited venues in their country.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has acknowledged the challenge ahead, describing The Gambia as a strong opponent. However, he remains optimistic about Kenya’s chances.
Olunga: “We Are Ready for the Challenge”
Speaking ahead of the match, Olunga expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness for the encounter.
“Everyone is excited about these two upcoming matches. The group is still open, and The Gambia has been rising in African football with a solid squad. It will be a great contest to showcase our abilities,” said Olunga before the team departed for Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
Under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Benni McCarthy, Kenya is eager to make a statement in the qualifiers.
“It’s a fresh start with a new tactical approach. We need to adapt to the coach’s philosophy and give our best on the pitch. It’s an exciting moment for Kenyan football, and I hope we can secure a positive result,” Olunga added.
Coach McCarthy Optimistic Ahead of His First Match
Benni McCarthy, who took charge last month, is looking forward to his first official match as head coach.
“I’m excited to lead the team in my first two World Cup qualifiers. We have a talented squad, and while there’s a lot of work ahead, I’m confident we will rise to the challenge together,” McCarthy said.
Following the match against The Gambia, Kenya will host Gabon on March 23 at Nyayo National Stadium for their next World Cup qualifier.
Currently, Harambee Stars sit fourth in Group F with five points from four matches. They secured a win against Seychelles and registered draws against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, followed by Gabon (9 points) and Burundi (7 points).
Harambee Stars Squad for the Qualifier
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo
Defenders: Jonstone 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
Kenya’s journey to secure a World Cup spot continues, and all eyes will be on the Harambee Stars as they take on The Gambia in this crucial fixture.
