Harambee Stars scrambled for a point against Gambia in a 3-3 World Cup qualifying draw in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

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.

Kenya 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.