Harambee Stars to resume action as focus shifts to 2026 World Cup qualifiers
By Luke Oluoch, August 24, 2025Harambee Stars will be having little time in terms of rest, with football action resuming in a fortnight with the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Straight from the penalty shootout loss to Madagascar in the ongoing African Nations Championship, Benni McCarthy’s team is now angling for the rigour of the next international break due in two weeks.
As part of its quest for a maiden World Cup qualification, Kenya is set to host back-to-back clashes at home.
Back-to-back WC ties
The first tie will see the team face off against The Gambia on Friday, September 2025.
The tie comes after coach McCarthy marked his debut in a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first meeting, pitting the two in a thrilling matchday five on Thursday, March 20.
Kenya will then face Seychelles five days later on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Both ties will be staged at the Moi International Kasarani, with optimism reigning high from the team’s exploits in the ongoing African Nations Championship.
Players’ selection
Much of the focus will, however, be on the new crop of players who retain their respective roles after impressing at the continental games. Among the standout players were Mansur Okwaro and Ryan Ogam, both of whom have been revelations in the championship, whereas the likes of Slyvester Owino and Bryne Omondi were impressive.
Standings
After six rounds of fixtures, Kenya are currently ranked fourth in the group with six points, two ahead of Gambia.
Ivory Coast tops the group proceedings on 16 points, Gabon come second with 15, and Burundi have 10.
Kenya’s journey in the qualifying campaign started with a 2-1 defeat against Gabon at Stade de Franceville on November 16, 2024, before they recovered to hammer Seychelles 5-0. Match Day Three saw them come up against Burundi and secure a 1-1 draw before they forced African champions Ivory Coast to a 0-0 draw.
Speaking on Kenya’s bid for a place in the global competition, McCarthy remained hopeful and bullish about Kenya’s chances.
“You would be a fool to give up [on qualification], and I think even the opposing coach will tell you the same; his aspirations and hopes remain unchanged [to qualify]. Teams will drop points down the line. Gambia can beat Ivory Coast just as much as Gambia can beat Gabon, and just as much as Kenya can beat Ivory Coast and Gabon,” McCarthy said after the game.
“So, the group is still very open. The teams at the top have taken their opportunities and collected points early, but we have five games to go, and there are plenty of points on offer for everyone, so we are hopeful, we are hopeful.”