Harambee Stars’ World Cup dream suffered a major setback after a 2-1 defeat to Gabon at a packed Nyayo Stadium, where former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice to silence the home crowd.

Despite Michael Olunga’s late goal sparking hopes of a comeback, Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now hang by a thread, leaving head coach Benni McCarthy banking on a mathematical miracle with four crucial matches remaining.

Harambee Stars went into the matchday six Group F fixture seeking victory following their dramatic 3-3 comeback draw against Gambia at Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium on Thursday, March 20, while the Scorpions were basking in a resounding 3-0 victory against bottom-placed Seychelles at Stade de Franceville. 

Playing their first home match since their 1-0 friendly loss to South Sudan at Kasarani Stadium on September 12, 2023, Kenyans thronged Nyayo with hopes of a win. However, it was Gabon talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who stole the headlines with a brace. 

The former Arsenal captain scored in either half, the second from the penalty spot.

Despite Kenya’s efforts to find their way back after striker Michael Olunga reduced the deficit, the Panthers held on to register their fifth win of the qualification campaign, staying on course for a World Cup berth. 

Determined head coach

Speaking after the game, the 47-year-old South African coach, who signed a contract to handle Harambee Stars until the 2027 Afcon, remained adamant that Kenya could still qualify from the group, with four matches remaining in the African qualifiers. 

“We have to continue winning our matches. Maybe, you never know, mathematically, somewhere along the way, there might be some glimmer of hope that we can still qualify,” a defiant McCarthy told Flashscore. 

“You know when people take out calculators, maybe when we play Ivory Coast (in the last game), we can still find ourselves in that situation if we win the matches left. But for now, we have to start preparing for Chan and Afcon 2027 here in Kenya. I am happy with what I am seeing and excited. I know people want to see the team win. 

A step at a time

“But people also need to understand that when it is a new team and you are trying to bring in young players, you can’t just do away with the regular players in one day. You have to try and work with them, see how good you can make them, and then they will help the young players take the reins forward. For now, it is a process, and we will work on it, but we still have hope for the World Cup (laughs).” 

The defeat left Kenya fourth in the group with six points — nine fewer than leaders Gabon, who have garnered 15, and seven less than second-placed Ivory Coast, who have amassed 13 points.

The Elephants will face Gambia in their matchday six fixture at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Monday. 

What’s next

 Harambee Stars will wait until September 1, 2025, to host Gambia at Nyayo Stadium.

In their first meeting, they drew 3-3.

After Gambia, Kenya will host Seychelles at the same venue on September 8.

In the first leg, Harambee Stars hammered the Islanders 5-0. 

They will then travel to face Burundi, whom they drew 1-1 with in the first-round meeting, on October 6, before winding up their group matches against the African champions on October 13 away.

Kenya and Ivory Coast played out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture.