- The Kenya vs Gabon match took place at the Nyayo National Stadium.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bagged a brace for Gabon’s while Michael Olunga was on the score sheet for Harambee Stars.
- The defeat left Kenya stuck at the fourth position with six points while Gabon, who have accumulated 15 points so far, climbed to the top of Group F.
Harambee Stars’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a big hit on Sunday evening following their match against Gabon.
Kenya, who needed a win to increase their chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history, suffered a 2-1 defeat in the match played at a fully packed Nyayo National Stadium.
Gabon’s goals were scored by the mercurial Pierre-Emeric Aubameyang in the 16th and 52nd minute respectively before Michael Olunga netted Kenya’s consolation goal in the 62nd minute.
Although Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy failed to win his first home match, most fans were pleased with the manner in which he approached the game.
So, how did the Kenyan players perform in their first match on home soil in almost four years?
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Kenya vs Gabon player ratings
Ian Otieno: 5/10
The South African based goalkeeper did not have much to do in the entire match since Gabon did not create numerous goal scoring chances.
Otieno played well with his feet and his ball distribution was fantastic. However, he gets an average rating for conceding two goals.
Daniel Anyembe: 7/10
Anyembe had a much improved performance from the one he posted last week against the Gambia. He was calm with the ball and helped solidify the Harambee Stars backline. Nonetheless, he could have done better to prevent Aubameyang from scoring Gabon’s opener.
Johnstone Omurwa: 6/10
Omurwa, who started the match at the expense of Brian Mandela had a great game for Harambee Stars. He cleared nearly everything that the Gabonese players threw on him and combined well with Anyembe.
Erick Ouma: 8/10
Erick “Marcelo” Ouma had a brilliant game. He made good runs down the wing and offered a lot going forward. The former Gor Mahia FC player also provided the assist for Olunga’s goal.
Richard Odada: 6.5/10
Odada played average football at the heart of Kenya’s midfield. He won numerous duels and made a couple of successful dribbles but just lacked the cutting edge.
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Timothy Ouma: 6/10
Ouma, who recently signed for Czech Republic based side Slavia Prague had a fair game. He created several chances that the forwards, particularly Olunga failed to convert.
Anthony Akumu: 6/10
Similar to Ouma, Akumu played well against Gabon compared to his performance in Harambee Stars’ 3-3 draw with Gambia.
The towering midfielder protected the backline and won a couple of headers before being brought out in the second half.
Mohammed Bajaber: 7/10
The Kenya Police FC forward had a good game especially in the second half where his chemistry with Ouma made life difficult for the Gabon defence.
Bajaber, who was on the score sheet for Harambee Stars in the game against the Gambia, got the pre-assist for Kenya’s goal against Gabon.
The 23-year-old placed a pinpoint pass on Ouma’s path with the latter whipping in a dangerous cross that was directed into the goal by Olunga.
William Lenkupae: 7/10
Lenkupae worked hard for Harambee Stars today like he did in Ivory Coast a few days ago. He made good runs and even helped the defenders when he was required to do so.
Moreover, the Australian based midfielder could have got his name in the score sheet but his effort flew over the bar.
Michael Olunga: 6/10
Although Olunga missed a number of goal scoring chances, he worked hard for the team. In addition, he took his goal so well and led from the front from the first whistle.
The Al-Duhail foward could have changed the outcome of the game had he converted his chances.
Substitutes
Amos Nondi: 3/10
He was brought on in the final stages of the second half and made a few dribbles. He was also solid defensively.
Duke Abuya: 4/10
Similar to Nondi, Abuya was also introduced late and did not do enough to help Harambee Stars find an equalizer.
Manzur Okwaro: NA
Okwaro played for less than six minutes and he did not have a huge impact on the match.
Jonah Ayunga: 3/10
Ayunga was not himself today. He had chances to put Harambee Stars level but his decision making let him down.
Masud Juma: NA
He had a few touches after being introduced late in the second half.
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