Kenya captain Michael Olunga has expressed his unwavering belief in Harambee Stars’ ability to fight until the last whistle as they continue their quest for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite Gabon’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Seychelles, which altered the Group F standings, Olunga maintains that the team will keep pushing for maximum points.
Following Gabon’s win, they lead the group with 18 points, closely followed by Ivory Coast with 16, while Burundi sits third on 10 points. Kenya finds itself in fourth, with Ghana in fifth, meaning direct qualification is out of reach. However, Olunga insists the Stars still have everything to play for, especially with the chance to advance to the second round and improve their FIFA rankings.
The Al-Arabi striker highlighted the importance of determination, urging his teammates to give their all in the remaining matches against The Gambia and Seychelles. Having drawn 3-3 with The Gambia in their first-leg encounter, Kenya now eyes a crucial victory at Kasarani, where home advantage could play a key role.
“Practically, the maximum points we can get is 18, and in football, you never say never. We have to compete with everything,” Olunga explained in a pre-match briefing. “It is an honour to represent the nation, and we will fight hard until the last group game. Even if we fall short of qualification, our performance will strengthen the team and improve our FIFA rankings.”
Olunga further emphasized that under coach Benni McCarthy, the Harambee Stars are building for the future. The current qualifiers, he believes, offer valuable experience that will sharpen the squad for upcoming continental and international competitions.
The towering striker remains determined to inspire Kenya to victories in their final fixtures, knowing that every positive result lays the foundation for a stronger team. He also underscored the importance of resilience and collective spirit, qualities he feels will shape the next generation of Harambee Stars.
With Olunga’s leadership and the hunger within the squad, Kenya’s mission is clear secure victories against The Gambia and Seychelles, keep the World Cup dream alive, and ensure steady progress on the global stage.
