- The Kenya vs Gambia 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group F clash will take place on Friday, September 5.
- The match will be held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, kicking off at 4:00 PM EAT.
- The first leg between Kenya and Gambia ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw in March this year at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast.
The men’s national team Harambee Stars, will be in action on Friday, September 5, as they face The Gambia in a 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group F clash as from 4:00 PM EAT at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Kenya enter this fixture buoyed with confidence from their recent debut at the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), where they defied expectations by reaching the quarterfinals.
This achievement has installed them as the favorites for this encounter.
Kenya vs Gambia Group F preview & permutations
However, their hopes of qualifying for the global showpiece, to be held in the three North American countries- United States, Canada and Mexico next year, hang by the slimmest of threads.
They currently sit in fourth place with six points from just one win, three draws, and two losses.
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With four matches remaining, the maximum points Benni McCarthy’s squad can attain is 18, provided they win all their remaining games.
Their only hope for qualification is through the World Cup playoffs by finishing second. This is a daunting task, as group leaders Gabon already have 18 points the maximum Kenya can reach and hold the head-to-head advantage over the Stars.
For Kenya to secure second place, they must not only win their matches but also hope that Ivory Coast, currently in second, loses its upcoming fixtures.
Furthermore, they would need Burundi, in third place with 10 points, to also drop points in their remaining games. This scenario is exceedingly difficult to achieve.
ALSO READ: Jonathan McKinstry applauds McCarthy’s impact on Harambee Stars
A loss in this game could dash their hopes entirely, especially if Ivory Coast defeats Burundi on the same day.
On the other hand, the Scorpions sit one place behind Kenya with four points after six matches, having recorded just one win and a draw.
Their prospects of qualifying are minimal, as the maximum points they can accumulate is 16, two less than Gabon’s current tally.
Since Ivory Coast defeated them in the first leg, their only motivation is to win in Nairobi and hope for a favorable turn of events in the future.
The former Gor Mahia head coach, Jonathan McKinstry, now with Gambia, will approach this match with full confidence.
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His squad boasts talented players like Yankuba Minteh, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League.
What time does Kenya vs Gambia kick off?
The Harambee Stars Vs the Gambia 2026 World Cup qualifier clash is set for Friday, September 5 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM EAT.
Kenya vs Gambia Tickets
According to the ticketing platform tikiti.co.ke Kenya vs Gambia, the regular tickets, which were selling for 200 shillings, are sold out.
The remaining available tickets are Silver, going for 500 shillings; Gold, on sale for 1000 shillings; and VIP tickets being sold at 2000 shillings.
Harambee Stars vs Gambia Team News
Neither team has reported any major injuries.
Benni McCarthy has largely chosen to stick with the players who excelled in CHAN 2024, calling up only 10 overseas-based players in his 23-man squad for this encounter.
He will rely on his attack, led by the lethal striker Michael Olunga, who has currently scored four goals in these qualifiers, as well as the sensational Ryan Ogam.
The squad also includes Boniface Muchiri, William Lenykpai, and Emmanuel, who will operate on the wings and provide service for the strikers.
In defense, McCarthy can call upon experienced players like Aboud Omar, Collins Sichenje, Rooney Onyango, and Michael Kibwage.
This blend of experience suggests the squad is capable of securing a victory at home.
Conversely, McKinstry has several high-profile players at his disposal, such as Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow, who will be expected to spearhead their attack and whom they scored in the first leg against Kenya in March this year.
Harambee Stars Vs the Scorpions Probable Line-ups
- Kenya: Bryne Omondi, Sylvester Owino, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Aboud Omar, Manzur Okwaro, Timothy Ouma, Alpha Onyango, Boniface Muchiri, William Lenykpai, Michael Olunga.
- Gambia: Jarju, Njie, Sainey, Colley, Ceesay, Bajo, Barry, Federa, Minteh, Sowe, Barrow.
Kenya vs Gambia: Recent form and head-to-head record
The most recent meeting between the two sides was in March of this year, a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast.
Musa Barrow scored a brace, and Minteh added a third for Gambia. Kenya came from behind to equalize through a Michael Olunga penalty, with William Lenykpai and Mohammed Bajaber also scoring.
Kenya 2026 World Cup Qualifying Form
- LWDDL
All Competitions:
- WWDWWL
Most Recent Encounter (August – CHAN Quarterfinals vs Madagascar): Lost on penalties 1(5)-1(4)
Gambia 2026 World Cup Qualifying form:
- LLWLDL
All Competitions:
- WDLLWD
Most Recent Encounter (June – International Friendly vs Uganda): Draw 1-1.
ALSO READ: McCarthy’s debut sees Harambee Stars fight back for draw against Gambia
Kenya vs Gambia Prediction
Both teams are entering this match seeking all three points to improve their standing in Group F.
Given that their first encounter ended in a draw, fans should anticipate a high-intensity battle for the full 90 minutes.
Additionally, both sides possess dangerous attacking talent, suggesting this could be a high-scoring affair.