South African icon Benni McCarthy began his tenure as the head coach of the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars, with an exhilarating 3-3 draw against Gambia in their Group F encounter during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers held at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium on Thursday, March 20.
The Gambian side, known as the Scorpions, initially surged ahead with a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh. However, Harambee Stars fought back when their main striker Michael Olunga converted a penalty, followed by a spectacular equaliser from substitute Mohammed Bajaber.
Despite Gambia regaining the lead with another goal from Barrow, Kenya’s William Wilson stepped up to level the scores once more, ensuring a crucial point for the East African nation.
The 47-year-old, who previously served as an assistant coach at Manchester United, opted for Ian Otieno from Richards Bay to guard the net. The defensive setup featured Rooney Onyango, Daniel Anyembe, and Brian Mandela, who returned to action after last playing on October 16, 2023, against Russia, alongside the dynamic Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma.
Ismael Gonzalez, currently on loan at CE Sabadell in Spain, led the midfield alongside Anthony Okumu and Richard Odada, with Eric Johanna and John Avire providing support to captain Olunga, who played as a lone striker.
Only five players retained their positions from the previous qualifier, in which Kenya managed a 0-0 draw against African champions Ivory Coast on June 11, 2024. This was under the management of Turkish coach Engin Firat, who was subsequently dismissed for failing to qualify Harambee Stars for the upcoming 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026.
The five players who maintained their starting positions in McCarthy’s inaugural match were Anyembe, Odada, Akumu, Rooney Onyango, and Olunga.
Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, who featured in the previous match against Ivory Coast, was omitted from the squad, as were Aboud Omar, Kenneth Muguna, and Timothy Otieno, while Johnstone Omurwa found himself on the bench.

The match started slowly, and just five minutes in, Gambian defender Sheriff Sinyan earned the first yellow card for pulling the shirt of an advancing Olunga. The game remained tightly contested, and Kenya had a great opportunity to score when Avire was thwarted by Gambian goalkeeper Ebrima Jarju in the 17th minute.
A pivotal moment came in the 30th minute when Gambia won a penalty following a foul on Musa Barrow. The Al-Taawoun forward, however, had his weak shot saved by Otieno, who reacted promptly to keep the scores level. This save invigorated Kenya, leading to another chance created by Akumu for Avire, whose shot from outside the box failed to trouble Jarju.
Gambia, led by former Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry, began to dominate as the first half progressed, with Barrow and Minteh from Brighton missing golden opportunities.
As the first half ended at 0-0, Kenya breathed a sigh of relief, having held off the relentless Gambian attacks, thanks in part to a resolute defensive performance.
Unlike the slow start of the first half, Kenya overturned the momentum early in the second, earning their first corner just after the break. Johanna’s corner was cleared by Jarju. Two minutes later, Kenya earned another corner, but Colley once again cleared the danger. However, the Scorpions struck first in the 55th minute, with Barrow making amends for his previous penalty miss by scoring from outside the box.
Gambia doubled their lead in the 60th minute, as Minteh capitalised on a defensive error to strike from close range past the stranded Otieno. Recognising the urgency, McCarthy made a double substitution, bringing on Jonah Ayunga and debutant Bajaber for Avire and Johanna.

Ayunga made an immediate impact after entering the pitch, winning a penalty in the 69th minute after being fouled inside the Gambian area. Captain Olunga expertly slotted the penalty with his left foot, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Kenya found an equaliser in the 75th minute when the talented Bajaber, playing for Kenya Police FC, showcased individual skill after being set up by Ouma, curling the ball over Jarju into the net.
Just as Kenya thought they had secured a significant point, Barrow struck again for Gambia in the 84th minute, converting a cross from Abdoulie Ceesay at the far post. In stoppage time, Barrow had a chance to extend Gambia’s lead, but Otieno denied him with a brilliant save.
However, Wilson, who came on for Gonzalez at half-time, netted the equaliser for Kenya with the last kick of a thrilling six-goal encounter.

Gambia starting XI: Ebrima Jarju (GK), Omar Colley (C), Sheriff Sinyan, Momodou Lion Njie, Abubakar Barry, Mahmudu Bajo, Alie Fadera, Lars Joseph Ceesay, Yankuba Minteh, Musa Barrow and Ali Sowe.
Subs: Sheikh Sibi, Musa Dibaga, Badi Boddu Gaye, Ebrima Adams, Ebrima Darbue, Alasana Manneh, Saiko Touray, Omar Gaye, Abdoulie Sanyang, Gibril Sillah, Alasanna Jatta, and Abdoulie Ceesay.
Kenya starting XI: Ian Otieno, Daniel Anyembe, Brian Mandela, Ronney Onyango, Eric Ouma, Anthony Akumu, Ismael Gonzalez, Richard Odada, John Avire, Eric Johana, and Michael Olunga.
Subs: Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikalo, Manzur Owkaro, Jonestone Omurwa, Ben Stanley Omondi, Masud Juma, Wilson Lenkupae, Jonah Ayunga, Timothy Ouma, Duke Abuya, Mohammed Bajaber, and Elvis Rupia.

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