Gabon talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang delivered a stunning brace to hand Kenya’s new head coach, Benni McCarthy, his first defeat in charge of the Harambee Stars during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash at a packed Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Aubameyang found the net in both halves, with his second goal coming from the penalty spot. Despite a spirited fightback from Kenya, which saw striker Michael Olunga reduce the deficit, the Panthers held firm to secure their fifth victory in the qualification campaign.
Kenya entered the match seeking a crucial win after their thrilling 3-3 comeback draw against Gambia at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium on March 20th. Meanwhile, Gabon arrived in Nairobi full of confidence following a dominant 3-0 victory over bottom-placed Seychelles at Stade de Franceville. That win was powered by a Denis Bouanga double— the Los Angeles FC forward showcasing his quality—alongside an early third-minute strike from Jim Allevinah.
For his second match in charge, McCarthy kept faith in Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno, while the defensive lineup featured Rooney Onyango, Daniel Anyembe, and the returning Brian Mandela, who last played for the national team in the 2-2 friendly draw against Russia on October 16, 2023. Overlapping fullback Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma also played a key role in the backline.
He said: “Yes we do, everyone in the group, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Burundi, Gambia, everyone has a chance, we still in it with a chance, and there is a likelihood of qualifying as the best second placed team.
“So, everything is possible, but we have to start Sunday’s game with three points and that will send us on our way, and try to catch up with the teams that have already accumulated 12 points, like Gabon, it will be a hard task, but not impossible to achieve.” McCarthy added.
Despite their best efforts, the Harambee Stars couldn’t overturn the deficit, as Gabon’s experience and defensive resilience saw them claim all three points.
The Panthers (Gabon) now top Group F with five wins from six, while Kenya, fourth with six points, face a steep road to the 2026 World Cup.
