Kenya’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign did not ended in qualification, but it showcased a team on the rise, resilient, ambitious and full of promise.

Harambee Stars battled bravely in 10 matches, leaving with valuable lessons and renewed confidence in the future. The team finished in fourth place with 12 points, in a competitive Group F that featured Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Gabon, Burundi and Seychelles.

Kenya kicked off their qualifying campaign with a defat to Gabon. Stars took the lead in the 40th minute when Amos Nondi delivered a beautiful cross that Masud Juma headed home. However, Gabon rallied through Denis Bouanga’s 60th-minute equaliser and a late winner from Guelor Kanga in the 88th minute, ending the match 2-1 in Gabon’s favour.

In the return leg at a packed Nyayo Stadium, the atmosphere was electric as fans rallied behind the team. Rejuvenated under new coach Benni McCarthy, Harambee Stars showed fighting spirit despite going 2-0 down courtesy of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brace (16 minute and 52 minute penalty).

In the match, Kenya created several chances, Michael Olunga’s goal was disallowed for offside and another shot struck the post before Olunga finally found the back of the net in the 62nd minute after an excellent run and assist by Erick Ouma. The match ended 2-1 in favour of Gabon, but the performance gave plenty of encouragement.

In the first meeting, Kenya dominated for long spells and finally broke the deadlock when Austin Odhiambo teed up Duke Abuya, who calmly slotted past Jonathan Nahimana. However, Burundi equalised late through Abdallah Sudi in the 85th minute.

The return fixture in Bujumbura saw Kenya secure a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to Ryan Ogam’s 72nd-minute strike creating an immediate impact after coming off the bench.

The first leg against The Gambia, played at Stade Alassane Ouattara, was a thrilling 3-3 draw. The hosts led 2-0 by the 61st minute before Olunga pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 67th. Gambia’s Minteh restored their two-goal cushion but Kenya’s substitutes made the difference late on. Mohammed Bajaber struck a sensational goal, and William Lenkupae netted the equaliser deep into stoppage time.

In the return match at Kasarani Stadium, The Gambia took control early, scoring three first-half goals. Ryan Ogam, coming off the bench, grabbed a goal in the 81st minute, with the game ending 3-1 in favour of the visitors.

These fixtures against Seychelles produced Kenya’s most emphatic results of the campaign. Both matches ended in identical 5-0 victories.

In the away leg, Michael Olunga struck twice, with additional goals from Masud Juma, Ronney Onyango, and Benson Omalla. In the return fixture at home, Olunga again bagged a brace, while Ryan Ogam also scored twice and Collins Shichenje added one to complete the victory.

Kenya’s second match of the campaign was a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast, a result that displayed defensive discipline and composure.

In the reverse fixture, which was also the final group match, the reigning African champions proved too strong, defeating Kenya 3-0 with goals from Franck Kessie, Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande.

Harambee Stars wrapped up their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers campaign with a record of 3 wins, 3 draws and 4 losses, scoring 18 goals and conceding 14. The biggest goal contributions were by Michael Olunga with six goals and two assists in total.

Other goal contributions were by Ryan Ogam (4 goals), Masud Juma (2 goals), William Lenkupae (1 goal) Mohammed Bajaber (1 goal), Duke Abuya (1 goal), Ronney Onyango (1 goal), Benson Omalla (1 goal) and Collins Shichenje (1 goal).

Goal assists were by Eric Ouma 3, Duke Abuya 2, Rooney Onyango 2, Amos Nondi 1, Abud Omar 1 and Austin Odhiambo 1.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Anita Omwenga