Harambee Stars drew 3-3 with Gambia in a World Cup qualifier. Coach Benni McCarthy praised the team’s resilience, particularly after substitutes Bajaber and Wilson scored crucial goals. Despite challenges from limited training, McCarthy remains optimistic about the future, while Gambia’s coach expressed frustration over their mistakes. Both teams prepare for upcoming matches against Gabon and Ivory Coast, respectively.
Harambee Stars showcased remarkable resilience to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. Coach Benni McCarthy commended his team’s fighting spirit, particularly highlighting the impactful contributions of substitutes Mohamed Bajaber and William Wilson, who scored crucial goals to help claim a hard-fought point. This match marked the inaugural encounter between the two nations, adding to its significance.
While expressing satisfaction with the result, despite hopes for a better outcome, Coach McCarthy underscored the challenges faced by his squad after just a single training session prior to the game. “The draw does not help us or Gambia, but I will take it because we earned it against a team that has been together longer than us,” he stated, emphasizing the ongoing integration process within his team.
The encounter unfolded dramatically, as Gambia initially took a 2-0 lead through goals from Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh in the second half. However, the Harambee Stars elicited a swift response with a penalty conversion by Captain Michael Olunga and an equalizer from Bajaber shortly after. Although Barrow scored again to regain Gambia’s lead, Wilson’s late equalizer in stoppage time secured a crucial point for Kenya amid a thrilling finish.
McCarthy reflected on the match conditions and the team’s struggle during the second half, acknowledging that the heat and altitude may have influenced performance levels. “In the first half, we had a chance to take the lead… but our goalkeeper saved it. The second half was tougher; perhaps the heat and altitude affected us,” he remarked, content with the determination exhibited by his players.
Looking ahead to future matches, McCarthy suggested potential lineup changes for the upcoming game against Gabon to manage player fatigue. “We need to manage their recovery, so I’ll introduce some changes for the Gabon match,” he announced while praising Bajaber for his “stunning” goal.
Meanwhile, Gambia’s coach, Johnathan McKinstry, expressed frustration over his team’s mistakes and acknowledged Kenya’s fighting spirit. He lamented the impulsive errors that led to the draw. “I’m furious and frustrated. You can’t make such errors at this level and expect not to be punished,” he acknowledged, underscoring the need for greater focus as they prepare for their next match against Ivory Coast.
As they move on from this draw, Harambee Stars will prepare to face Gabon at home, while Gambia will encounter a challenging away test against Ivory Coast as the qualifiers continue.
In conclusion, the thrilling 3-3 draw between Harambee Stars and Gambia showcased an impressive display of resilience from the Kenyan team under Coach Benni McCarthy’s guidance. Despite initial setbacks, the contributions of substitutes proved pivotal in securing a valuable point. Both teams now look forward to their next challenges, aiming to improve their standings in the Group F qualifiers, with McCarthy optimistic about future matches and squad management.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
