Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy was left impressed with Mohammed Bajaber’s goal as Kenya battled to a 3-3 draw in the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gambia on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Speaking on the roller coaster performance during the 3-3 draw, the South African hailed the goal scored by the Police FC attacking midfielder as a brilliant individual effort.

The Police FC new boy, a second-half substitute made a grand entrance to his international football debut, scoring a spectacular goal to restore match parity from a 2-0 handicap.

His strike midway through the final half proved crucial in inspiring Kenya’s comeback for the draw.

Well taken

“A fantastic individual effort from Mohammed (Bajaber).  He is a young player I’ve given an opportunity from out of nowhere. He took the goal exceptionally well and we went 2-2 up. You then think now with a little bit of momentum we can control the game but we go and made another rookie mistake,” he said.

The coach pointed out the conceding of the three goals to the few training sessions held by the team after a section of players linked up with the team in Abdijan for the tie.

He however praised the resilience demonstrated by his charges which saw his national team debut off on a draw courtesy of a last gasp winner from another debutant Wilson Lenkupae.

Fighting spirit
 

“If you had one session with the team, the organization and communication is not really there. We threw caution to the wind, got a counter-attack and created a blinder of an opportunity. They covered it and cleared it. When we could go 3-2, they were the ones who went at the other end and scored with six and seven minutes to go,” he said.

With the draw placing Kenya at fifth with six points, four behind leaders Ivory Coast, the tactician says the team can afford to do anything but give on their World Cup chances.

“You will be a fool to give up. I think even the opposing coach will tell you that teams will drop points somewhere down the line. Gambia can beat Ivory Coast as much as they can beat Gabon. Kenya can beat Ivory Coast and Gabon. It is very open.

“The teams sitting at the top took the opportunity to collect points early. We have five games to go, which means there are many points up on offer. We are hopeful,” McCarthy told the press

Harambee Stars will next host Gabon on Sunday, March 23 in their next qualifier tie,