Ryan Ogam shared his thoughts on Gambia’s display, admitting Harambee Stars have lessons to take from their 3-1 defeat.

Ryan Ogam has opened up about how it felt going up a tough Gambian side comprising Brighton forward Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow, in Harambee Stars’ second leg encounter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Harambee Stars striker came in as a late substitute and scored Kenya’s sole goal in the 81st minute. Watching the first half from the bench, Ryan Ogam observed a few lapses from Harambee Stars and how experienced the Gambian players were.

All three goals Gambia scored were in the first half, with Sheriff Sinyan placing the Scorpions in the lead in the 12th minute. Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow added two other goals in the 26th and 38th minutes, respectively.

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The Harambee Stars striker has explained how starting on the bench gave him an edge that led to his late goal for Harambee Stars against Gambia.

The former Tusker FC striker revealed that the Scorpions oozed experience throughout the match, and there was a lot to learn from that match.

Ryan Ogam admitted that they were the better side and managed to walk away with the maximum points, winning 3-1.

“The opponents are a great side; we respect them, and they have great qualities. They were the better side today, and you saw they did so well. We learnt from them and hopefully we shall do better on Tuesday,” Ryan Ogam said.

10:16 – 07.09.2025

Social media users reacted fiercely after Harambee Stars’ shock defeat to Gambia, questioning squad choices and future direction for Kenyan football.

Ogam added that during the first minutes of the game, Harambee Stars were dominant, but they lost momentum after conceding the first goal.

Ryan Ogam pointed out that it is something they need to work on if they are to make a mark in their match against wounded Seychelles.

Seychelles are fresh from a 4-0 thrashing from Gabon and will be looking to prove a point against Harambee Stars.

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Abud Omar saw a torrid time against Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh during their World Cup qualifying clash against Gambia at Kasarani on Friday.

“In the first minutes of the game, we were in possession, we were controlling the game, but maybe towards the middle of the game, we lacked concentration, but we rectified that in the second half,” Ryan Ogam added.

“Unfortunately, it was too late, on Tuesday we have another game, perhaps we can work on our mistakes and produce a better result.”

With their win, The Gambia rose to fourth place in Group F, having accumulated seven points. Harambee Stars are fifth with six, while Seychelles are sixth with zero points. The three countries have been eliminated.

Ivory Coast lead the group with 19 points, with Gabon in second place with 18. Burundi are third with 10 points.