Kenya will chase a second win in their 2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifying campaign when they welcome Gambia to the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on 5 September 2025. Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.
Group F has been dominated by the West African pairing of Ivory Coast (top of the log, 16 points) and Gabon (second, 15), leaving Burundi (10), Kenya (6), Gambia (4) and the Seychelles (0) to fight over the scraps.
Congratulations to our Head Coach Benni McCarthy, on being named August Coach of the Month for leading the team through a successful #CHAN2024 campaign! 👏🇰🇪 pic.twitter.com/iX7xRNUHhS
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 2, 2025
Kenya, who come into this match on the back of a quarterfinal showing as co-hosts in the recently-completed African Nations Championship (Chan), were last in WCQ action in March, recording a thrilling 3-3 away draw against Gambia in Abidjan, followed by a narrow 1-2 defeat at home to Gabon in Nairobi.
The Harambee Stars are a growing force under the tutelage of South African coach Benni McCarthy, who is hopeful they can carry their Chan momentum into this match against Gambia, as well a home clash against the Seychelles four days later.
“Nothing but proud of what we achieved. The players gave everything every single day in training and every match,” said McCarthy after their Chan exit, a penalty shootout loss to eventual runners-up Madagascar.
Preparation >>> talk.#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/omHbZg9bu7
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 2, 2025
“Kenyan football is on the up, the talent we saw over this Chan tournament has been immense. Everyone should be proud,” the former Bafana Bafana star added.
Gambia, who recorded a 3-3 draw with Kenya and 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast in March, are also seeking their second win in the group.
The last meeting between the teams, on 20 March in neutral Abidjan, saw the Scorpions claim a 2-0 and 3-2 lead via goals from Musa Barrow (two) and Yakuba Minteh, only to be pegged back by goals from Kenya’s Michael Olunga, Mohammed Bajaber and William Wilson.