Kenya’s Harambee Stars are set for a thrilling Group F battle in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as their opponents, Gambia, arrived in Nairobi ahead of Friday’s high-stakes encounter at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Scorpions touched down quietly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport earlier in the week, with the first batch of players and officials immediately heading to their team hotel in the capital. Head coach Johnathan McKinstry is keeping a low profile, but the visitors are fully aware of the challenge that awaits.
“We know it will be a difficult environment. Kenya are playing at home, and their fans are very passionate. But for us, every game is now like a final, and we will fight for every point,” one team official said.
Gambia held a light training session at Nyayo National Stadium and will switch to Kasarani on Thursday for their mandatory pre-match feel of the pitch.
A Steep Qualification Path
The Scorpions face a tough road to qualification. They currently sit on four points, 12 behind group leaders Ivory Coast and 11 adrift of second-placed Gabon. To keep any slim hopes alive, they must win all four remaining matches and hope their rivals stumble. The Confederation of African Football’s new format only guarantees group winners a direct ticket to the finals, while the four best second-placed teams will contest playoffs for a single intercontinental slot.
“It’s a mountain to climb,” admitted midfielder Ablie Jallow. “But in football, nothing is impossible. We believe in ourselves and will give our all.”
Kenya, meanwhile, sits fourth in the group with six points from one win, three draws, and two defeats. Ivory Coast lead with 16 points, Gabon are close behind on 15, while Burundi hold third place with 10. Seychelles remain bottom without a point.
Kenyan Fans Ready for Kasarani Showdown
Excitement is building as Kenyan fans gear up to cheer their team on. The Football Kenya Federation has confirmed that tickets are already available online, with no sales at the gates in line with CAF and FIFA regulations.
Ticket prices have been structured to cater to all fans: Ksh300 for ordinary, Ksh500 for silver, Ksh2,000 for VIP, and Ksh5,000 for the exclusive VVIP section.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 pm on Friday, and thousands of fans are expected to turn Kasarani into a sea of red, green, and black as Harambee Stars look to keep their World Cup dream alive.
