For the first time in nearly six years, Harambee Stars will play in front of a fully packed stadium when they host Gabon in a 2026 World Cup qualifier this Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium.This will also mark their first competitive home match in four years.The last time Harambee Stars played in front of a full crowd was in October 2018 during a 2019 AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia at Moi Kasarani Stadium, where Kenya triumphed 3-0.Their last competitive home game took place in 2021, a World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at Nyayo Stadium.Kenya has been playing its competitive games outside the borders for lack of a CAF-certified stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_8799841##On Saturday afternoon, FKF announced that all of the over 22,000 tickets available for purchase had been sold.Stars are set to enjoy an electrifying atmosphere at Nyayo Stadium, where they hope to repay the fans with a win against Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon, who are vying for the top spot and a place in group F to qualify for next year’s World Cup, set to be hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.With six points, Harambee Stars currently sit fourth in Group F, where only the group winner will secure an automatic ticket to the global tournament.Nyayo night lights caliberation#FootballKE #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/9aWzJ9dtVk— AzamTV Kenya (@AzamTVKenya) March 22, 2025 Kenya has won one match, against the Seychelles, and registered three draws against Ivory Coast, Burundi, and Gambia.Their only loss came against their upcoming opponent, Gabon.NSL: Nairobi United, APS Bomet tighten grip in promotion raceGabon, on the other hand, is just one point behind group leaders Ivory Coast. The Panthers have won four out of their five matches, with their only defeat coming at the hands of reigning African champions Ivory Coast. Gabon came from behind to beat Harambee Stars 2-1 in their first qualification match, played in November 2023. They have 12 points.Both teams were in action on Thursday. Kenya drew 3-3 with The Gambia in a dramatic match in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, while Gabon defeated the Seychelles 3-0.Sunday’s clash is expected to be a highly charged affair, with both teams eager for maximum points.Court of Appeal clears Athletics Kenya bosses to stay in officeKenya’s head coach, Benni McCarthy, remains hopeful about World Cup qualification despite the challenge of trailing the group leaders, Ivory Coast, by seven points.Speaking after Thursday’s game, McCarthy emphasized that it’s too early to give up on the dream.”You would be a fool to give up on qualification,” McCarthy said. “I think the opposing coach would say the same—his hopes remain the same. Teams will drop points. Gambia can beat Ivory Coast just as Kenya can beat Ivory Coast and Gabon.”He pointed out that, while the group leaders have taken their chances early on, there are still five games left and plenty of points up for grabs. “So, the group is still very open,” McCarthy insisted. “We are hopeful.”TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Mohammed Bajaber’s numbers that make him a wing wizardAfter his final training session at the Kasarani Annex Grounds on Saturday afternoon, McCarthy acknowledged that the match against Gabon would be tough, much like the Gambia game.”Tomorrow is going to be very tough, just like the Gambia game was. Gambia was a tough challenge, but the team performed exceptionally well. We stuck with the plan even though we didn’t have a lot of time to train and gel, but I thought we did well. We were unfortunate not to win that game,” he said.McCarthy believes that all teams in the group still have a chance and that there is the possibility of qualifying as the best second-placed team. “We have a chance to start tomorrow’s game with three points, and that will help us catch up with the leading teams. Anything is possible.”The millions FKF has made from sale of tickets for Harambee Stars vs Gabon matchHe added that the goal is to secure a win for the fans, who are expected to pack the stadium.“We want to give the fans an exciting team, one they can be proud of, a team that will fight for every second of the 90 minutes. This is a hardworking country, and we should reflect that. Hopefully, the players will deliver the killer blow,” he concluded.Mashemeji Derby date confirmed after two postponementsKesho Mapema 📍 Nyayo Stadium#HarambeeStars #Tunaweza #WCQ pic.twitter.com/d7leTuKKpG— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) March 22, 2025
