Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, is determined to bounce back as it prepares to face Seychelles in a crucial fixture following its disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The team’s hopes of making it to the global stage were dashed last week after a demoralizing 3-1 defeat to Gambia at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The result mathematically ended Kenya’s chances of qualifying, leaving both players and fans heartbroken.

Kenya will face Seychelles on 9 September 2025, in a highly anticipated clash at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi, Kenya, from 4 pm.

Despite the setback, the Harambee Stars are now shifting their focus to rebuilding and delivering a strong performance against Seychelles, a side that has historically proven to be an easy opponent for them.

Head coach Benni McCarthy has stated the importance of this match, framing it as a stepping stone in Kenya’s broader mission to re-establish itself as a dominant force in African football.

McCarthy, who came under sharp criticism for his squad selection in the Gambia clash, insists that the team must show resilience and character.

“Our World Cup dream may be over for now, but Kenyan football doesn’t stop here. The game against Seychelles is about pride, progress, and laying the foundation for future competitions like AFCON. We must give our fans something to believe in again.”

In response to criticism, McCarthy defended his choices, arguing that the level of competition in World Cup qualifiers requires players with experience at the highest levels of club football.

“We need to find the right balance between local talent and international experience, and that’s what we’re working towards.”

Harambee Stars have enjoyed an unbroken run of dominance over Seychelles in international football, with a head-to-head record that strongly favors the East African side.

Over the years, the Harambee Stars and the Pirates have faced each other seven times, with Kenya winning six matches and drawing once, while Seychelles has yet to register a single victory.

The first recorded meeting between the two teams dates back to November 18, 1992, during the CECAFA Cup, where Kenya claimed a narrow 2-1 victory, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided rivalry.

Six years later, in June 1998, the teams met for a pair of international friendlies.

The first ended in a 1-1 draw, marking the only occasion Seychelles has avoided defeat against Kenya before they returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory, reaffirming their dominance.

The rivalry intensified in 2011 when the sides clashed in World Cup qualification matches. Kenya delivered a statement performance by defeating Seychelles 3-0 away on November 11, before completing the job with a resounding 4-0 home win just four days later.

These results eliminated Seychelles from the qualifiers and showcased Kenya’s attacking power and defensive discipline at the time when the nation was struggling to put up a proper international football squad.

In March 2015, the two teams met again in a friendly match, with Harambee Stars comfortably securing a 2-0 victory. This game served as a warm-up for Kenya’s preparations ahead of competitive fixtures and further demonstrated their consistent superiority over Seychelles.

Most recently, on November 20, 2023, during another World Cup qualifier, Harambee Stars cruised to a 5-0 triumph, the largest margin of victory in the fixture’s history.

This result not only extended Kenya’s unbeaten run against Seychelles but also boosted their qualification hopes at the time.

Across the seven matches played, Kenya has scored 19 goals while conceding just 4, giving them a commanding goal difference of +15. Seychelles’ defense has struggled to cope with Kenya’s pace and tactical organization, while the Harambee Stars have consistently found ways to break through their opponents’ backline.

As the Harambee Stars prepare for future encounters, including upcoming qualifiers, they carry with them both the confidence of past success and the knowledge that Seychelles will be determined to finally break their winless streak.

While Kenya’s focus remains on competing at higher levels such as the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers, matches against Seychelles provide opportunities to build momentum and test emerging talents within the squad.

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