Harambee Stars land in Abidjan, gear up for World Cup Qualifier vs Gambia

Harambee Stars land in Abidjan ahead of their crucial World Cup Qualifier against Gambia [Facebook]

The Kenyan national football team, Harambee Stars, arrived in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, late Tuesday, gearing up for their essential 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against The Gambia this Thursday.

The game will be played at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium. Gambia is currently hosting their matches in Ivory Coast due to facility certification issues with CAF.

The squad departed Kenya in the morning, with only three players expected to join them in Abidjan. With limited time for preparation, coach Benni McCarthy is set to conduct a single training session with the full team before the pivotal match.

McCarthy, who took the reins of the team just last week on March 12, expressed confidence in the talent within the squad, particularly among the younger players who have a chance to make their mark in international football. "It was nice for me to get to know them better and for them to understand my coaching style," he remarked after the team's first training session. Although the players exhibited some initial nerves, McCarthy was pleased with their overall performance and adaptability.

Despite some key absences in the lineup, the coach remains focused on building a resilient team for the challenge ahead. "We are aware of the importance of this upcoming game," McCarthy stated. "We'll make it difficult for our opponents. What matters is that we have a hardworking group that is focused on winning."

Harambee Stars enter this match seeking crucial points in their World Cup qualification campaign after an initial setback in November 2023, where they lost 2-1 to Gabon despite an early lead. The team rebounded impressively with a 5-0 victory against Seychelles, highlighted by Michael Olunga's two goals. However, their journey has been mixed; following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Burundi, they managed to hold African champions Ivory Coast to a stalemate in their most recent outing.

On the gambian side, the team has faced its own struggles, suffering losses in their opening two matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast. However, they found their form with an emphatic 5-1 win over Seychelles. Coach Jonathan McKinstry, who previously had success in the Kenyan Premier League with Gor Mahia, has bolstered his squad with talented players, including Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh and former Bologna forward Musa Barrow.

As both teams vie for vital points, the stage is set for an exhilarating encounter when they meet on March 20.