Kenya plot Gambia to strike as McCarthy eyes World Cup qualifiers top-two push

Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy is gunning for a statement win over The Gambia on Friday to fire Kenya’s bid for a top-two finish in Group F.

Stars are currently fourth in Group F with six points from six matches, two clear of Gambia, who sit just behind them. At the summit, Cote d’Ivoire are flying on 16 points, with Gabon (15) and Burundi (10) holding the other podium spots.

Stars still have four fixtures to play in their World Cup qualifier campaign, starting with Gambia on Friday, followed by Seychelles next Tuesday.

After that, they take on Burundi and group leaders Cote d’Ivoire in October. Qualification for the 2026 World Cup remains a steep climb, with only the group winners booking automatic tickets to the World Cup and runners-up heading to the playoffs.

Speaking while being awarded by the Betika/Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month for August, McCarthy revealed that victory in Nairobi is non-negotiable if Kenya is to mount a serious charge for a historic World Cup berth.

“We are hoping to beat the Gambia, which will put us in a good standing. If we finish second or third in the group, it will be a very good achievement,” McCarthy said.

The former United assistant coach insists the Stars must build on the momentum of their spirited African Nations Championship run, which was fuelled by a passionate home crowd.

“Having the home advantage will play to our advantage. We had unbelievable support during CHAN, which really boosted our performance.”

“The fans were the pillar of success for Harambee Stars’ CHAN exploits, and we are going to need them on Friday and Tuesday in our two World Cup qualifiers,” he said.

Kenya’s CHAN campaign saw them make it to the quarterfinals of a major competition for the first time in 38 years. They, however, fell short, losing out to Madagascar courtesy of spot kicks. However, McCarthy highlighted that he expects a tough contest against the Gambia.

“Gambia is not going to be easy. It was my first game in charge of Harambee Stars, and it ended 3-3. It was a very tough game,” he said. “It was a game against a coach (Johnathan McKinstry), who many Kenyan’s know well due to his success at Gor Mahia.”

Kenya’s last clash with the Gambia was on March 20 in the first leg of the World Cup qualifiers, where both teams played to a 3-3 stalemate.

Michael Olunga, Mohamed Bajaber and William Wilson were Kenya’s goal scorers during the tie. McCarthy highlighted that the Stars have grown since the last time the two nations clashed.

”With the time I have had with the players, I think we have evolved from the last time we played with the Gambia,” McCarthy said.

“The strength in the group we have shows the progress we are making, and the future for Kenyan football looks very bright.”