2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Ex-Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sinks Kenya as Bafana Bafana icon Benni McCarthy suffers his first loss as Harambee Stars head coach.
Following a determined effort that earned them a point against Gambia, the Harambee Stars couldn’t withstand the Panthers, even with strong backing from the crowd.
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Gabon strengthened their bid for a spot in the 2026 World Cup finals with a 2-1 victory over Kenya at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted twice for the visitors, while Michael Olunga scored Kenya’s lone goal.
Despite starting as the more aggressive side, Kenya fell behind in the 16th minute when Aubameyang slotted home. Assisted by Guelor Kanga, the former Arsenal striker fired a low shot past Ian Otieno. Goalkeeper Richards Bay stretched in an attempt to save it but was unable to keep the ball out.
Kenya responded with determination and thought they had equalized in the 19th minute when Olunga tapped in a pass from William Lenkupae, only for the offside flag to nullify the goal. Shortly after, Richard Odada had a chance to level the score but sent his shot wide from close range, allowing Gabon to breathe a sigh of relief.
Encouraged by Benni McCarthy from the touchline, the Harambee Stars kept pushing. In the 40th minute, Olunga came close again, but his effort struck the post, sparing the visitors as Kenya pressed hard toward halftime.
Gabon extended their lead in the 52nd minute when Aubameyang converted a penalty after Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma was penalized for a handball inside the box.
Kenya finally pulled one back in the 62nd minute when Olunga connected with a low cross from Ouma, guiding the ball past the goalkeeper.
Despite their fightback, the Harambee Stars couldn’t overturn the deficit, handing McCarthy his first defeat as Kenya’s head coach.
With the win, Gabon now leads Group F with 15 points, followed by Ivory Coast with 13. Burundi sits third with seven points, while Kenya remains fourth with six, two ahead of fifth-placed Gambia. Seychelles remain at the bottom without a point.
THE MVP
As one of Gabon’s most experienced and talented players, Aubameyang stepped up for his country.
His brace provided a significant boost to Gabon’s World Cup aspirations while also propelling them to the top of the group.
THE BIG LOSER
Despite scoring a goal, Olunga squandered multiple opportunities in both halves.
As captain, expectations were high, but he fell short on home soil. The defeat is likely to increase pressure on him, with some fans even urging him to retire from international football.
WHATS NEXT FOR KENYA?
McCarthy and his coaching staff must take this moment to analyze and develop strategies to make Kenya a stronger and more competitive team.
Kenya will have the advantage of playing at home in September when they face Gambia and Seychelles in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
