Kenya’s Harambee Stars will begin a new chapter under the leadership of Benni McCarthy as they face The Gambia in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday, March 20. The match will be played at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Ivory Coast, kicking off at 10 PM Kenyan time (EAT). Fans can catch the action live on KBC, Supersport, and FIFA+.
McCarthy’s First Test on the International Stage
Benni McCarthy, a former Manchester United forwards’ coach, will take charge of his first match as a national team head coach. The South African tactician has never managed an international side before, making this a significant test of his ability to guide Kenya back into World Cup contention.
Harambee Stars are currently fourth in Group F, five points behind group leaders Ivory Coast. With only the top team in each group securing automatic qualification and the second-placed teams fighting for a World Cup spot through playoffs, Kenya must secure a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. A positive result against Gambia would set the stage for another crucial fixture against Gabon on Sunday, March 23.
Match Odds and Predictions
World Cup Qualification – Africa | Thursday, 10 PM (EAT)
- Gambia – 2.2
- Kenya – 3.85
Uncertainty Surrounding Kenya’s Approach
With a new coach and technical bench, Kenya remains an unpredictable side. The Gambia’s head coach, Johnathan McKinstry, has acknowledged the challenge of preparing for a Kenyan team that could bring fresh tactical ideas under McCarthy.
McCarthy has opted for a squad blending experience and youthful energy. Veteran players Brian Mandela and Ismael Gonzalez have returned after long absences, while young prospects such as Manzur Okwaro, Mohammed Bajaber, and Ben Stanley have earned their first call-ups.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has emphasized the need for the team to adapt quickly to McCarthy’s approach, stating, “The dynamics are different now, and we need time to adjust to the new system.”
This element of surprise could work in Kenya’s favor, but it remains to be seen how quickly the players can settle under their new coach.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Kenya and Gambia.
- In the latest FIFA rankings, Kenya is placed at position 108, while Gambia sits at 125.
- Kenya has struggled in recent matches, failing to win any of their last six competitive games. Their last victory came in a 2-1 win over Namibia in September 2023.
- Gambia, despite being fifth in the group, has lost just one of their last six matches and recently secured a notable 1-0 victory over Tunisia in November.
- Gambia’s squad features established players, including Musa Barrow (Bologna) and Yankuba Minteh (Brighton), alongside newcomers Musa Dibaga, Saikou Touray, and Gibril Sillah.
While Kenya has the edge in FIFA rankings, Gambia has been more consistent in recent performances.
Why is the Match Being Played in Ivory Coast?
Although Gambia is the designated home team, the country does not have a CAF-approved stadium to host international matches. As a result, they have played their home games in neutral venues such as Senegal and Morocco. For this fixture, Ivory Coast will serve as the host nation.
Where to Watch the Match
Kenyan fans can watch the match live on the following platforms:
- KBC Channel One
- Supersport (following a new broadcast agreement with the Gambia Football Federation)
- FIFA+ (streaming worldwide)
With McCarthy making his debut as Kenya’s head coach, all eyes will be on how Harambee Stars perform under new leadership. A victory against Gambia could reignite their World Cup qualification hopes, but they will have to overcome a determined opponent that has shown resilience in recent matches.
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