- Kenya vs Gambia match ended in a 1-3 defeat for the Harambee Stars at home in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers clash.
- The encounter was held at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday, September 5.
- Yankuba Minteh, Musa Barrow, and Assan Ceesay scored the three goals for Gambia while Ryan Ochieng scored a late consolation goal for the hosts.
The Kenya men’s national team, Harambee Stars, suffered a 1-3 defeat at the hands of The Gambia on Friday, September 5, in a Group F encounter of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
The match, held at a buzzing Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, saw Kenya’s glimmer of hope extinguished as their journey toward the global showpiece was officially derailed.
The primary blame must fall on Kenya’s backline, which capitulated early, allowing Yankuba Minteh, Musa Barrow, and Sheriff Sinyan to score three first-half goals. Ryan Ogam scored a late consolation goal for the hosts.
As a result, SportPesa Blog evaluates how each Harambee Stars player performed in this disappointing outing.
Kenya vs Gambia: Harambee Stars player ratings
Bryne Omondi 5/10
While not entirely culpable for the three goals conceded, Omondi was let down by a disorganized defence. He still made a few vital saves that prevented a more embarrassing scoreline.
Aboud Omar 4/10
A shadow of the player who impressed during the recently concluded CHAN 2024 tournament. His left flank was heavily exploited by Minteh, who consistently beat him for pace and delivered dangerous crosses. Omar struggled particularly in the first half and received a yellow card for a clumsy challenge.
Rooney Onyango 4.5/10
Deployed as a right wing-back, Onyango was tasked with marking Musa Barrow but left gaps behind due to his frequent forward runs. Barrow took full advantage of this space, particularly when scoring the third goal.
Sylvester Owino 4/10
Showed flashes of composure but lacked coordination with Collins Sichenje, which led to the sequence resulting in Gambia’s first goal. He was also booked during the match.
Collins Sichenje 6/10
A few errant back passes put Kenya under unnecessary pressure.
Though he stabilized in the second half, his first-half performance was below par. He too received a yellow card for a late challenge.
Richard Odada 4/10
Tasked with shielding the backline, Odada often pushed too far forward and left gaps that The Gambia exploited. His positional awareness was lacking, prompting his substitution early in the second half.
Timothy Ouma 4/10
Stationed in central midfield, Ouma struggled to influence the game. He was often isolated and lost possession cheaply, giving Gambia multiple opportunities to counterattack. He was also subbed off shortly after the second half began.
Duke Abuya 5.5/10
Despite picking up a yellow card, Abuya was among Kenya’s brighter sparks in attack. He had a goal ruled out for offside and consistently delivered incisive passes, though they failed to connect with Michael Olunga.
William Lenkupae 6.5/10
Missed a couple of golden opportunities to either put Kenya ahead or reduce the deficit. However, his pace and movement troubled Gambia’s defence, and he managed to retain possession well.
Emmanuel Osoro 6/10
The new Power Dynamos signing showcased good ball control and delivered several crosses from the right. Unfortunately, the Gambian defenders neutralized Olunga, and Osoro’s deliveries failed to find their target.
Michael Olunga 4/10
Had minimal impact as Gambia’s centre-backs tightly marked him. His only notable effort was a header in the first half, which was comfortably saved following a cross from Aboud Omar.
Ryan Ogam 8/10
Fresh from scoring two goals in the CHAN tournament, Ogam came off the bench and grabbed Kenya’s solitary goal just nine minutes from full-time, offering a brief moment of hope.
Alpha Onyango 7.5/10
Introduced at halftime, Alpha brought more structure to Kenya’s midfield – something the team sorely lacked in the opening 45 minutes.
Manzur Okwaro 7/10
Alongside Alpha, Okwaro’s introduction helped shift momentum in Kenya’s favour during the second half. His defensive work and seamless link-up play with the wingers added much-needed balance.
Job Ochieng 5/10
The youngster made his senior debut in the final moments of the match. Calm and composed, the Real Sociedad B player impressed with neat touches and smart positioning.
Boniface Muchiri
Came on too late to be fairly rated.
2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Kenya vs Gambia – Starting Lineups
Harambee Stars
Bryne Omondi, Aboud Omar, Sylvester Owino, Rooney Onyango, Collins Sichenje, Richard Odada, Timothy Ouma, Duke Abuya, Michael Olunga, William Lenkupae, Emmanuel Osoro
The Scorpions (Gambia)
Baboucarr Gaye, Mahmudu Bajo, Sainey Sanyang, Alagie Saine, Omar Colley, Ebrima Adams, Adama Sidibeh, Musa Barrow, Sheriff Sinyan, Yankuba Minteh, Muhammed Sanneh