For the first time in over six years, Kenya’s Harambee Stars played in front of a fully packed home stadium, but the team fell short, losing 2-1 to Gabon’s Panthers in a thrilling Group “F” 2026 World Cup qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
Ex-Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the hero for the visitors, scoring in both halves of the match, which saw thousands of jubilant Kenyan fans don the national team’s red and white colors in support.
Kenya’s captain, Michael Olunga, found the net in the second half, scoring the consolation goal in a match graced by several dignitaries.
Gabon, who have never qualified for the World Cup, move to 15 points from their six games in Group 'F', while Cote d'Ivoire have 13 points from five matches and are next in action at home to Gambia on Monday.
The last time Harambee Stars played in a fully packed home stadium was on October 14, 2018, when they hammered Ethiopia 3-0 in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani in Nairobi.
In recent years, fan attendance at Harambee Stars’ matches had dwindled, with inconsistent performances and poor marketing cited as major factors.
However, Sunday’s game was expected to rekindle the nation’s passion for the team, as it was their first home match in Kenya since September 12, 2023, when they lost 1-0 to South Sudan in a friendly at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Michael Olunga of Kenya (right) and Ecuele Manga of Gabon contest for the ball during their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on March 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had announced a sell-out on Saturday evening, with all 22,900 tickets purchased online.
Regular tickets (21,000) – Sh300, VIP tickets (1,800) – Sh1,000, VVIP tickets (100) – Sh10,000
An hour before kick-off, the stadium was buzzing with excitement. Fans dressed in Harambee Stars’ red and white created an electric atmosphere, singing, dancing, and waving flags.
The day’s DJ played a mix of Kenyan and international hits, with the crowd erupting in cheers when the timeless love song "Kasongo" played over the speakers.
The match had a lively atmosphere, but there were isolated incidents of violence including an attack on Mumias East MP Peter Salasya. At some points, sections of fans chanted "Ruto Must Go" slogans, adding a political undertone to the match.
Stars coach Benni McCarthy made key changes to his lineup, handing starts to Johnstone Omurwa, Timothy Ouma, William Lenkupae, and Mohammed Bajaber. They replaced Brian Mandela, Ismael Gonzalez, Eric Omondi, and John Avire, who had featured in the previous match against Gambia.
Kenyan fans cheer on the Harambee Stars during their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on March 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
The match began at a frantic pace, with both teams attacking early. Kenya survived a second-minute scare, while Olunga’s weak shot in the third minute was easily saved by Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Marius.
In the seventh minute, Olunga went down inside the box, but the referee waved play on, a decision that infuriated the home fans.
Despite Kenya’s relentless attack, a defensive lapse in the 16th minute allowed Aubameyang to break the deadlock with a close-range finish past goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
Two minutes later, Olunga thought he had equalised when he pounced on a rebound after Marius failed to hold Lenkupae’s shot. However, the goal was ruled offside, much to the frustration of the home supporters.
Kenya kept pushing, with Richard Odada missing a clear-cut chance in the 21st minute after winning possession inside the box, only to fire wide.
Bajaber and Lenkupae both tested the Gabonese goalkeeper, who pulled off impressive saves in the 27th and 40th minutes. Olunga struck the post before sending a cross and missing a header just before halftime.
Gabon made a substitution at the restart, bringing in Christopher Billy for Alex Yowan Kevin.
Aubameyang almost doubled Gabon’s lead in the 48th minute, but his shot hit the goalpost. However, just three minutes later, he scored again from the penalty spot after Erick Ouma handled the ball inside the box.
Kenya’s efforts to get back into the game continued, but Olunga’s struggles in front of goal led to calls for his substitution from sections of the crowd. He eventually delivered in the 62nd minute, racing down the left wing and unleashing a powerful low shot past Marius.
Despite a late push for an equaliser, Harambee Stars could not find the back of the net as Gabon held on for the win.
