Kenya’s FIFA World Cup qualification campaign takes a knock after defeat

The Harambee Stars of Kenya have suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Gabon in a Group F match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Gabon the after 16 minutes at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

The match also watched by the Kenyan President William Ruto ended 1-0 at the interval infavour of Gabon.

After recess Kenya conceded a penalty which Aubameyang converted after 52 minutes.

Ten minutes later Harambee Stars skipper Michael Olunga pulled back a goal for the home side to send fans into celebrations. The home team continued to push forward, but failed to find the final punch. Kenya’s campaign has now taken a big knock following the defeat and 3-3 away draw to The Gambia few days ago

Benni Mccarthy, the Kenyan coach said that his team had missed some good scoring chances. “There were a lot of positives today, but we also need to keep building and improving,” said the Kenyan coach.

The President of Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Hussein Mohammed thanked all Kenyans for coming to support. “A gallant fight from Harambee Stars, but we live to fight another day. Huge thanks to all Kenyans for the incredible support – the 12th man was truly behind the boys today, and it felt special after years of playing away from home,” said the FKF President.

The defeat by Gabon dents Kenya’s hopes in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. Kenya are 4^th in the Group with 6 points, while Gabon are top with 15 points, and Ivory Coast with 13 points.

Action continues on Monday with Ethiopia facing Djibouti in a Group A match to be played at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium, El-Jadida in Morocco.