Harambee Stars staged a spirited comeback twice to secure a 3-3 draw against The Gambia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match. The result sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, who took to social media to share their views on the team’s performance.The match took place on Thursday, March 20, at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. After a goalless first half, which saw goalkeeper Ian Otieno deny Musa Barrow from the spot, the game burst into life in the second half with six goals.##NAJAVA_MECA_8794159##The Gambia’s goals came from a brace by Musa Barrow and a strike from Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh. Kenya, on the other hand, found the net through captain Michael Olunga and second-half substitutes Mohammed Bajaber and debutant William Lenkupae.Kenyans had mixed reactions to the performance, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts.FKF President Hussein Mohammed was among the first to commend the team’s resilience, posting on Facebook:“Our national team, The Harambee Stars, epitomized resilience, heart, and courage in today’s game. We are meticulously laying the foundation for a great team. To all the players and technical bench, HONGERA! Back to the battlefield this Sunday as we host Gabon at Nyayo Stadium.”Player Ratings: Benni McCarthy kicks off tenure with spirited draw against GambiaFans also weighed in on the performance. Min Blessing praised the team’s effort but pointed out areas for improvement:“I am proud of Harambee Stars for getting a point away. Ian Otieno redeemed himself with that penalty save. The team should press harder and keep the ball in the opponent’s half rather than sitting back. The substitutions bore fruit—Bajaber is a great finisher. The technical bench should find a way to blend experienced players with young talents for an unstoppable first eleven. A win at home is possible.”📸 | Match Gallery#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/ci901oZpkC— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) March 20, 2025 Collins Koyo, a Gor Mahia fan, celebrated the team’s attacking display:“I am happy we are now scoring goals. Three goals away is no mean feat.👌”Veteran journalist Elijah Ouko lauded the team’s fighting spirit and predicted a bright future under coach Benni McCarthy:“We have drawn 3-3. Don’t tell me anything! If Harambee Stars continue playing like that, Benni McCarthy will be loved by Kenyan fans. Stars played with COURAGE, and that’s how it should be. Next game is Gabon on Sunday. Tujaze Nyayo! 💯 PRAY FOR GABON.”Harambee Stars hold Gambia in six-goal thrillerDavid King Onjili singled out Bajaber for special praise:“National treasure. Bajaber should be insured and declared a national treasure.”Mozzart Sport senior writer Kevin Teya analyzed the game tactically, highlighting McCarthy’s decision-making:“Starting with a defensive setup might not have been the best approach from Benni, as we gave Gambia too much respect in the first half. The substitutions worked wonders, with the South African coach making excellent adjustments. It’s hard to say whether we would have won with a more attacking lineup—definitely a case of ‘what ifs?’ Overall, it’s a promising start that Benni can build on as we head into Sunday’s crucial must-win game against Gabon, which is important not just for points but also to win over the fans.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8791977##Alex Ngare, Swara FC’s team manager, was impressed by Bajaber.“Huyo Bajaber amenifurahisha (Bajaber impressed me). He has shown that it’s time to include local talented players who have the hunger to win.”Allan Omuse questioned the team’s initial tactical approach:“We just came out from a hole that we dug ourselves. Why did McCarthy start with three defensive midfielders? What were we defending? Why did he bench Timothy Ouma, who is Kenya’s best midfielder currently and performed well in the Europa League? We must start better next time.”Hard fought draw, but we will take the positives back home and prepare well for the next game on Sunday #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/HiV9ET1CFr— Mariga Macdonald (@MarigaOfficial) March 20, 2025 James Nyamweya credited the substitutions for changing the game:“After a poor start, the substitutions totally changed the game for Kenya. Ayunga won us a penalty, while Bajaber and Lenkupae scored. Bajaber needs to start more. He provides the much-needed creativity upfront and is able to unlock defenses.”Kenya remains fourth in Group F with six points and will now shift focus to their crucial home match against Gabon on Sunday, March 23, at Nyayo National Stadium. A win will be vital to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.What a hit by Mohammed Bajaber 🙆#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/xUeQCaElnm— Futa Fiti (@ItsFutaFiti) March 20, 2025
