The Harambee Stars enjoy playing in a fully packed Kasarani stadium. Local supporters have left politics behind and are rallying behind the national team in one accord as the East Africans hope to continue their impressive form at home.
They have not lost in 2 of their last 3 home games in the CAF 2026 World Cup Qualifiers matches.
Coach McCarthy has only lost two matches out of the nine matches he has led the Harambee Stars since being appointed on March 3, 2025.
The roar of the fans during the CHAN tournament was so big that they couldn’t wait to return to cheer the stars. Matchday 7 will pit Gambia, who are two points shy of Kenya in Group F. The scorpions who finished 1st and 2nd in their previous AFCON qualifiers, barring the 2025 qualifier, will be in dire need of bouncing back in their World Cup qualifiers as they have already lost four matches.
Kenya, despite having 9 foreign-based players, their squad is made of 13 locally based players, which plays to their advantage. They know themselves, and the telepathy is already there.
The Harambee Stars won 1-0 against Morocco and drew against Angola with 10 men. Subsequently, they registered 1-0 victories against DR Congo and Zambia during the CHAN.
Their local based guys play a pivotal role, and they will be aiming to emulate success attained by countries such as Sudan, Burundi, and Madagascar, just to name a few.
However, the biggest name missing from the selection is Gor Mahia striker Austine Odhiambo, while Mohammed Sirja, Daniel Sakari, and Crispine Erambo didn’t make the cut. Foreign-based players include Job Ochieng, who plays for Real Sociedad B.
Michael Olunga, who is four goals shy of breaking the all-time Kenya leading goal scorer record, said the team is in high spirits.
“Right now, the team is in good spirits. Players are motivated, and fans are already supporting us. I believe we are going to replicate a good performance.” Olunga stressed.
Jonathan Mcknistry will be in charge of his 12th match as he returns to Kenya. In the June window, Jonathan changed his squad completely by bringing in new faces as he secured a draw against the Cranes and beat Equatorial Guinea. Gambia have lost 3 of their last 3 away matches in CAF World Cup Qualifiers. A feat that Yankuba Minteh and others would like to address.
Defender James Gomez had to leave camp to attend to personal issues; Alagie Saine has maintained his position in the squad, while Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh of Tromso handed his maiden call-up.
Mcknistry has close to three dilemmas to fix. Baboucarr Gaye, since his return from injury, has gone on to play 11 matches in a row compared to Ebrima Jarju.
With the return of Captain Omar Colley, will McKinstry partner Momodou Njie and Colley or Sinyan and Njie? Fans will be curious to see if Bajo will partner Barry in the midfield and if Adama Sidibeh will be given the nod ahead of Ali Sowe.
A resolute performance and dominance will be expected by the fans from the Scorpions, but the Harambee Stars will be hopeful to make the Kasarani Stadium a fortress once again.
World cup Qualification Africa
Kenya vs. Gambia
Fri, 5 September 2025 – 13:00 GMT
Stadium: Moi International Sports Complex Stadium
