Coach Benni McCarthy’s reign as Harambee Stars coach started on a dramatic fashion after his side drew 3-3 with Gambia in a Group F World Cup qualification match at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Thursday night.Musa Barrow grabbed a double in the game, with Yankuba Minteh scoring the other goal for the home team. Kenya got theirs through captain Michael Olunga and Mohammed Bajaber and William Lenkupae.##NAJAVA_MECA_51934##The South African coach, typically known for his attacking style, adopted a more cautious approach by selecting a largely defensive lineup. This tactical shift seemed aimed at neutralizing the dynamic Gambia trio of Barrow, Minteh, and Alieu Fadera. McCarthy reinforced the midfield by including three predominantly defensive players: Ismael Gonzalez, Teddy Akumu, and Richard Odada.Gambia controlled possession well in the opening minutes without causing Kenya any real problems. The first real chance of the game went Kenya’s way in the 12th minute when Ronney Onyango found Olunga in the area, but the striker, unmarked, failed to keep his header on target.LIVE BLOG: Barrow puts off Harambee Stars World Cup dreamsThe host team started to dominate possession, looking for spaces to hurt Kenya. The Stars, however, remained tight at the back and dangerous on the counterattack. A quick move saw Gambia awarded a penalty in the 28th minute after Kenya keeper Ian Otieno fouled Fadera inside the area. Musa Barrow stepped up to take it, but Otieno redeemed himself with a fantastic save.There was a moment of controversy in the 39th minute when Gambia captain Omar Colley intentionally handled the ball with a Kenyan player through on goal, denying him a clear chance. The referee, however, showed only a yellow card, despite protests from Kenya, who demanded a red card. Four minutes later, Erick Ouma denied Gambia what seemed like an imminent opener with a timely clearance as an attacker prepared to shoot. The first half ended goalless.McCarthy made an attacking change at the restart, bringing on Australia-born William Lenkupae for his debut, replacing the largely quiet Gonzalez. Kenya won a series of corners early in the second half, but they did not amount to much.Fortune Sacco coach Michael Otimong resigns amid internal strugglesTen minutes into the second half, Gambia took the lead through Barrow, who made up for his earlier penalty miss. The goal came in spectacular fashion as he controlled a pass, created space by advancing with the ball, and unleashed an unstoppable shot that beat Otieno.Six minutes later, Minteh made it 2-0 after twisting and turning Anyembe inside the area before beating Otieno again. Moments later, Otieno denied Gambia a third with a goal-line block as Kenya’s backline struggled.Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma describes training sessions under Benni McCarthyAgainst the run of play, Kenya won a penalty after Jonah Ayunga was fouled in the area. Captain Olunga stepped up to halve the deficit in the 69th minute. Six minutes later, substitute Mohammed Bajaber stole the show with a wonderful strike from inside the area to level the scores and set the stage for a tense finish.Gambia, went ahead again in the 83rd minute through Barrow, who literally walked the ball into the net after Kenya’s defense stood waiting for an offside flag that never came. Kenya would however have the last say in the game when Lekunpae scored a 96th minute leveller on his debut.Kenya remains fourth in group F with six points. The next qualifier is against Gabon on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium. Gabon beat Seychelles 3-0 at home in their other Group F fixture.’Misunderstanding’ led to Joseph Okumu being omitted from Harambee Stars squadHarambee Stars lineupStarting XI:Ian Otieno, Ronney Onyango, Erick Ouma, Brian Mandela, Daniel Anyembe, Richard Odada (70’ Duke Abuya), Teddy Akumu, Ismael Gonzalez (46’ William Lenkupe), John Avire (62’ Jonah Ayunga), Michael Olunga, Eric Johanna (62’ Mohammed Bajaber)Unused subs:Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikalo, Manzur Okwaro, Johnstone Omurwa, Ben Stanley Omondi, Masud Juma, Timothy Ouma, Elvis Rupia
