Gabon Coach Thierry Mouyouma has expressed confidence that Kenya’s Harambee Stars have what it takes to shock reigning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Ivory Coast in their upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier in Abidjan.
Speaking at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, after guiding his side to a thrilling 4-3 win over The Gambia, Mouyouma was full of praise for Kenya and their progress under head coach Benni McCarthy.
Gabon’s victory, inspired by a four-goal masterclass from captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, moved them to within a single point of group leaders Ivory Coast.
“I believe in Kenya,” Mouyouma said. “Since Benni McCarthy’s arrival, he has been doing a great job. He has been building the team well for the next qualifiers. Three or six months ago, Kenya had goalkeeping problems, but they have improved a lot.
When you come from such a situation, you can’t let your team down. I hope they will do their best because they need the confidence to finish the qualifiers strongly.”
Gabon coach backs Harambee Stars to stun Ivory Coast
The former Gabon international further revealed that he had also supported Kenya in their previous match against The Gambia, a match the Harambee Stars lost 3-1 at home, with the sensational Ryan Ogam scoring the consolation goal.
“I wanted Kenya to beat The Gambia because if they had won that match, they would have been in contention for second or even top spot in the group , an opportunity they unfortunately missed,” Mouyouma explained. “Now we expect them to beat Ivory Coast, and we will be supporting them.”
Mouyouma, a former Ajax Cape Town defender, also described Kenya as a “second home” for Gabon, citing the hospitality they always receive when playing in the country.
“We have played in Kenya twice, and we are always warmly welcomed here.” he added.
How Kenya holds the key to Gabon’s World Cup hopes
After Gabon’s 4-3 win over The Gambia, the group standings remain finely poised. Ivory Coast leads with 23 points after thrashing Seychelles 7-0, while Gabon sits second with 22 points ahead of Tuesday’s decisive fixtures.
Gabon will be hoping Kenya can deliver an upset against Ivory Coast in Abidjan, as they aim to secure their own win at home against Burundi.
ALSO READ: Super sub Ogam makes the difference in Burundi vs Kenya World Cup 2026 qualifier
Kenya, who also edged Burundi 1-0 courtesy of a Ryan Ogam strike assisted by captain Michael Olunga, previously held Ivory Coast to a goalless draw in the first leg played in Malawi.
A Gabon win against Burundi, coupled with a draw or a win for Kenya against Ivory Coast, would see Gabon qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup a dream that now rests partly in the hands of the Harambee Stars.