Harambee Stars defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma has revealed strategies they must use to beat their 2026 World Cup qualifying rivals, Gambia.

Gambia will host Kenya on Thursday, March 20, 2025, and the former Gor Mahia defender said they must play well and avoid underestimating their rivals if they have to win.

“I’m seeing everybody is excited, and we are happy to be back representing the nation, which is an important thing. The match is very important for us—we have to win.

“If you look at every nation, they all have pressure to achieve something. But for us, we have to go there, play our game, and set our targets right. I know if we play well, then we are going to win the match. I’m sure we are well prepared for it,” Marcelo said as quoted by a local publication.

To the defender, Gambia is a good side given that some of their players trade in top leagues in the world.

“I think the opponents are equally good because they have players who play in good leagues. So, we also have to respect them. We cannot go there to underestimate anyone. Every game is a final, so you have to play like it’s your last match,” he added.

McCarthy hopeful

Benni McCarthy, a former Manchester United first-team coach, is hopeful the players will not let him down as he makes his Kenya debut.

“I think physically we are strong; we are good; I like what I see with the team. Just a little bit of tactical organization on how we want to play. My main focus is on the players that are here.

“The ones that didn’t make it, there’s no trouble; we will discuss and follow up with them and their clubs after these two important games,” the South African said.

The match will start at 22:00 pm in Ivory Coast.