Kenya vs Gambia: It's win or bust! The Harambee Stars fight for their World Cup dream at home against a desperate Gambian side. Can Olunga fire Kenya to a crucial victory? Find out in our in-depth match preview.
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Get ready, football fans! This Friday, September 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM EAT (that’s 9:00 AM ET / 6:00 AM PT), the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi will be buzzing as Kenya’s Harambee Stars take on Gambia’s Scorpions in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. You can catch all the action live on KBC in Kenya!
This isn't just another game; it's a make-or-break moment for both teams in Group F. Kenya, currently fourth with six points, desperately needs a win to reignite their campaign. Just two points behind them in fifth, Gambia is equally hungry, knowing a victory is their last shot at keeping their World Cup dreams alive. With the home crowd behind them and a history of tight battles, Kenya will be pushing for those vital three points, but they know Gambia, who showed their teeth in the reverse fixture, won't make it easy.
A Look at Form Kenya’s journey through the qualifiers has been a bit of a rollercoaster. They’ve managed just one win, along with three draws and two losses in six matches. While they’ve shown real grit, staying undefeated in eight of their last nine games across all competitions, they just haven’t found that clinical edge when it counts in the qualifiers. Their last match saw them fall 2-1 to Gabon, stretching their winless run in the competition to four games.
Gambia’s situation is even tougher, with just one win, one draw, and four losses from their six outings. Their chances of moving forward are hanging by a thread, needing not only a win in Nairobi but also some luck with other results. Their away form is a big worry – they’ve lost five consecutive World Cup qualifying matches on the road and have conceded in every one of their last 10 WCQ games. Yikes! One thing's for sure: both teams know how to find the back of the net, with Kenya bagging 11 goals and Gambia 12 in the qualifiers. But both also have their defensive frailties, with Kenya letting in 8 goals and Gambia 10. Expect some attacking football!
Kenya: Expect the Harambee Stars to roll out their big guns. Captain Michael Olunga, who’s already netted four goals in the qualifiers, will be leading the charge up front, aiming to be Kenya’s main goal threat. He’ll have solid support from a midfield featuring experienced players like Anthony Akumu and Kenneth Muguna, who’ll be crucial in setting the pace.
Gambia: The Scorpions will be looking to their attacking prowess to make a statement. Keep an eye out for Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow, both of whom scored in their thrilling 3-3 draw last time out. Coach Jonathan McKinstry is likely to go for an aggressive, attacking approach, hoping to expose any weaknesses in Kenya's defense.
Kenya – Michael Olunga: This guy is a force! The Al-Arabi forward is Kenya’s go-to man for goals. His power and precise finishing make him a constant threat. If Kenya wants to win, Olunga needs to be on fire.
Gambia – Musa Barrow: The winger is a vital cog in Gambia’s attack. His speed and creativity can really cause headaches for defenders, and with two goals against Kenya in their last encounter, he’s definitely one the Harambee Stars need to keep a very close eye on.
These two teams have only met once before, but what a game it was – a thrilling 3-3 draw! That tells you everything you need to know: both sides can score, and both can be vulnerable at the back. Kenya will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage in Nairobi, where they usually put in strong performances. Their game plan will likely involve a balanced approach – strong in attack but disciplined in defense to nullify Gambia's threats.
Gambia, under a coach who loves attacking football, will probably come out with a high-press strategy, trying to win the ball in dangerous areas. They’ll be looking to use the pace of players like Minteh on the wings to get behind Kenya’s defense. With both teams facing the very real possibility of their World Cup dreams ending with a loss, expect a fiercely competitive match with everything on the line!
Given Kenya's strong home record and Gambia's struggles away from home, I think the Harambee Stars have the edge here. However, Gambia’s attacking power, which we saw in their last encounter, means they absolutely can’t be underestimated. I’m expecting goals from both sides, just like their last thrilling draw.
Prediction: Kenya 2-1 Gambia
Kenya vs Gambia: It's win or bust! The Harambee Stars fight for their World Cup dream at home against a desperate Gambian side. Can Olunga fire Kenya to a crucial victory? Find out in our in-depth match preview.
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