Olunga warns of Gambia threat ahead of Kasarani showdown
By Luke Oluoch, September 1, 2025Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has sounded a warning to his teammates to brace for another tough match against the Gambia ahead of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers clash.
Kenya will face the West African team on Friday, September 5, 2025, in their first of the back-to-back clashes in Group F, with Olunga wary of the threat posed by the side coached by the former Gor Mahia coach John McKinstry.
Kenya claimed a narrow draw after battling to a late equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw in the matchday five encounter in March 2025.
“You saw how the first leg went. Gambia is a good team with quality players; it was a difficult game. We expect the same kind of performance from them,” he stated.
With Kenya coming off a good run in CHAN competitions, Olunga has exuded optimism that the team will replicate the same good performance and get a result.
“Right now the team is in good spirits, the fans are geared up to support us, and the players are motivated. I believe we are ready to replicate the performance seen in CHAN,” he stated.
Coach Benni McCarthy, on his part, reflected on the draw as an unfortunate result, stating that his charges could have gotten more from the tie.
“It was an unfortunate draw for us; we could have taken more from the game. We will have to be alert and awake. For us, we want to collect as many games as possible,” he stated.
McCarthy further urged the Kenyan fans to welcome the former Gor coach back well but make his homecoming a sour one once the game kicks off.
Make life hard for him
“I hope the fans give him a good welcome back, but the minute the game starts, I hope they will be behind the team, as they know best and make life hard for the Gambians,” he stated.
Following the Gambia clash, Kenya will face Seychelles in the subsequent clash on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The clash will be staged at Moi International Kasarani.