Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has pointed out costly mistakes as the reason Kenya were trashed 3-1 by the visiting Gambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Kasarani Stadium.

Speaking after the match, Olunga admitted that the team started well in the particular encounter but lost concentration after the first 20 minutes of the game.

”Today, honestly, we lost the game because of our own mistakes. We started the game quite well, the first 20 minutes were on top of it, we created a few opportunities…we were there in the game, but we made three back-to-back mistakes and were punished,” Olunga said.

The visiting team took a commanding 3-0 first-half lead against Benni McCarthy’s men at the Moi International Sports Centre before the home crowd, days after a successful 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).

Harambee Stars good start

Kenya began the contest with high intensity, threatening early through William Lenkupae and Rooney Onyango. However, Gambia soaked up the pressure and struck first when Sheriff Shinyan converted a corner from Yankuba Minteh. Minutes later, Minteh doubled the tally following a Kenyan error in midfield. The Brighton youngster wasn’t done yet; he turned provider for Musa Barrow, who slotted in the third after a defensive lapse, leaving Harambee Stars trailing 3-0 at the break.

”At the top level, it is really difficult to come back after committing such mistakes, 3-0 at half time, it was a mountain to climb, but the team showed fighting spirit until the end, we did not give up, we wanted to make our fans proud but at the end of the day, it was not to be.” Michael Olunga said.

After conceding three goals in the first half, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy responded by shuffling his squad at halftime, bringing on Alpha Onyango and Manzur Okwaro for added energy, and later introducing Ryan Ogam. The changes gave Kenya more life. Eventually, Ogam managed to pull one back in the 81st minute, but it was too little too late as Gambia sealed all three points.

However, after the final whistle, Gambia head coach Jonathan McKinstry praised Kenya’s fighting spirit but highlighted the gulf in squad resources.

“Kenya’s work rate is remarkable. When they were 3-0 down, they never stopped running. Credit to their coaches and players. But in the end, we knew our technical quality would show,” he said.

The Northern Irish coach, who won two league titles with Gor Mahia, added that Gambia’s team is evolving. He said only a handful of the Gambia squad were regulars at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 18 months ago, adding that they are maturing together.