Harambee Stars have a glorious chance to rewrite the Kenyan football script when they face Gambia and Gabon in 2026 World Cup qualifiers, skipper Michael Olunga has said.
The Al Duhail marksman made the remarks at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as the team departed for Cote d’Ivoire to face Gambia.
Kenya resume their lofty aspirations for a maiden World Cup appearance against the Scorpions at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan due to the lack of a CAF-approved venue in the Gambia. Olunga’s words, tinged with confidence and nostalgia, echoed the nation’s desire for glory.
“The atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone is eager for their first assignment of the year,” he said.
“The group is still open, but with tough games coming. First, we face the Gambia away. It will be a good encounter to showcase our talent because we know they are a team that is upcoming in Africa and they also have a good squad.”
It will be Benni McCarthy’s first game as Stars’ head coach after taking over earlier this month.
Olunga hopes his teammates will adjust to the tactician’s new way of thinking, adding that McCarthy’s appointment had introduced a fresh perspective.
“We must adapt to what the new coach expects us to do. We have to adapt to the style of play the new coach wants us to...hopefully we can go and post positive results,” he observed.
“We want to go out there and do our absolute best. It is a fresh start, with a new federation and a new coach. The dynamics are quite different. It will be exciting. We are looking forward to seeing what the new Kenyan team can do.”
Stars are expected to play at home for the first time in over two years and Olunga is confident this will inspire them, especially by having the fans roar behind them.
Stars host Gabon at the refurbished Nyayo Stadium on Sunday. Once a revered fortress for Kenyan football, the stadium fell into disrepair, leading to its disqualification by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a viable venue for international matches.
However, the recent restoration efforts have breathed new life into this iconic arena. He appealed to fans to turn out against Gabon, hoping that their unwavering support would create an electrifying environment that could tip the scales in the Stars’ favour.
“We urge our fans to turn up in large numbers on Sunday to give us the ‘12th-man support’ that has been missing in recent matches,” Olunga said.
