Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is adamant that there is a realistic chance for Kenya to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

In a post-match reaction after a 3-3 draw against Gambia on Thursday, March 20, 2025, McCarthy said it would be a foolish idea to give up.

“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.

“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,” McCarthy told the press.

How the game went down

Michael Olunga, Mohammed Bajaber, and William Lenkupae scored for Harambee Stars. Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh were Gambia’s scorers.

Kenya went down on three occasions but fought back to help new coach Benni McCarthy not taste defeat in his Harambee Stars’ debut match.

Harambee Stars could have won had they utilised their chances well, especially in the first half. Michael Olunga had two clear chances that he failed to find the back of the net with.

For his debut, Lenkupae was introduced as the second half began, replacing Ismael Gonzalez.

As the game progressed, McCarthy threw Jonah Ayunga and Mohammed Bajaber into action, replacing John Avire and Eric Johana, respectively.

This change paid off as Bajaber scored a spectacular goal, which is his first for Harambee Stars, that restored parity at 2-2.

After Barrow scored the third for Gambia in the 84th minute, Kenya kept fighting, and in additional time, Lenkupae scored, and the six-goal thriller ended in a draw.

Harambee Stars, who will host Gabon on Sunday, March 23, have six points and are in fourth place. Gambia are fifth with five points.

Gabon lead with 12 points while Ivory Coast are second with 10. Burundi are in third place with seven points.