Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, is set for a vital World Cup qualifier against Gambia on September 5th in Nairobi. 

This match is a final chance for both teams to stay in the race for the 2026 tournament. 

The game will be a show of tactical strength, with Kenya’s coach Benni McCarthy using a solid squad, while Gambia’s coach Jonathan McKinstry will rely on his European-based players. 

Keep an eye on Kenya’s star striker Michael Olunga and Gambia’s fast attackers Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh, who are expected to light up the scoreboard. 

With both teams needing a win, fans can expect an exciting and high-scoring match.

The match pits two tactically astute coaches against each other: Benni McCarthy for Kenya and Jonathan McKinstry for Gambia. 

McCarthy, the former South African international, is banking on a squad that performed well at the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), where they reached the quarterfinals. 

He has largely retained that core, blending it with ten foreign-based players to create a formidable unit.

On the opposing side, Northern Irishman Jonathan McKinstry, a former Gor Mahia coach, is no stranger to the Kenyan football scene. 

He has publicly acknowledged the challenge of playing in Nairobi, citing Kenya’s strong home support as a significant factor. 

McKinstry’s Gambia squad boasts a few key European-based players, which could prove decisive.

Kenya’s hopes will largely rest on the shoulders of their captain and star striker, Michael Olunga. 

The prolific forward, who has scored four goals in the qualifiers so far, remains the main attacking threat. 

He will be supported by a combination of local and international players, including the likes of Boniface Muchiri and Ryan Ogam, who were instrumental in the CHAN tournament.

Gambia’s attack, however, presents a formidable challenge. 

The Scorpions will be led by the dangerous duo of Musa Barrow and the explosive winger Yankuba Minteh. 

Both players were on the scoresheet in the thrilling 3-3 draw between the two sides in their reverse fixture in March. 

Minteh, who plays his club football for Brighton & Hove Albion, is known for his blistering pace and ability to create chances, while Barrow has been equally prolific in the qualifiers.

With only four matches remaining, the road to the World Cup is incredibly difficult for both nations. 

Kenya currently sits in fourth place in Group F with six points, while Gambia is fifth with four points. 

Both are well behind group leaders Gabon (18 points) and second-place Ivory Coast (16 points).

A victory for Kenya would not only boost their points tally but would also keep their hopes of a playoff spot alive, provided other results in the group go their way. 

For Gambia, a loss would effectively end their qualification dream, making this a high-pressure, must-win game. 

With both teams possessing a potent attack and a desire to climb the table, the match is expected to be a high-scoring and intense affair.