Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has expressed his gratitude to Kenyan fans for turning out in large numbers for Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Gabon, held at Nyayo National Stadium.Kenya faced Gabon in a crucial match, with the visitors securing a 2-1 victory to top Group F. Former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stole the spotlight with a brace, while Olunga scored Kenya’s lone consolation goal. The loss severely diminished Benni McCarthy’s hopes of guiding Kenya to World Cup qualification or even securing a playoff spot by finishing second.##NAJAVA_MECA_8801129##The match was particularly significant as it marked the first competitive game Kenya had hosted in four years. Due to the lack of a CAF and FIFA-certified stadium, the country had been forced to play its home matches abroad. However, following the renovations at Nyayo Stadium, the facility reopened for this much-anticipated encounter.Olunga, who missed a few chances in the game before eventually netting the consolation goal, took to social media to thank the fans for their support and expressed regret for not securing a win.”Thank you, Kenyans, for turning out in large numbers to support the Harambee Stars. Despite the result (2-1), the team fought hard with resilience. I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who made it a success. Asanteni sana, 12th man. 🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️ One Love, Kenya,” read the striker’s post.Harambee Stars midfielder reveals why he chose Kenya over AustraliaOlunga’s goal, his 32nd for the national team, brings him just three goals away from equaling William Ouma’s all-time tally of 35 and four goals shy of becoming Kenya’s all-time top scorer—an achievement he is undoubtedly striving for.Kenya played two matches during the international break, starting with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Gambia on Thursday in Abidjan, McCarthy’s debut as Harambee Stars coach. That was followed by Sunday’s loss to Gabon’s Panthers at Nyayo Stadium.Aubameyang’s message to Kenyan fans after sinking Harambee Stars
