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The Opening Act Preview: Harambee Stars vs. Gabon – 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Author: Benson IregiThu Nov 16 2023

Kenya's Harambee Stars kick off their quest for the World Cup 2026 with the first qualifying match against Gabon today, November 16th, at 7 PM EAT. The game will be held at the Stade De La Rénovation De Franceville in Franceville, Gabon.

Both Kenya and Gabon are part of Group F for the World Cup qualifiers, sharing the group with Ivory Coast, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.

This marks Kenya's first competitive fixture since FIFA lifted the ban in November 2022. Their recent performance record, with 2 wins, a draw, and 3 losses in the last 6 matches since the ban, showcases a mixed bag of results.

Notable among these outcomes was a significant 2-1 victory over Qatar and a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Russia. Importantly, the majority of these matches were played on foreign soil, providing valuable experience in away games. Kenyan coach Engin Firat, will undoubtedly leverage this experience to instill confidence and composure in the team as they face Gabon in this crucial World Cup qualifying match.

Gabon on the other hand come into this fixture having a dismal record of 1 win, a draw and 3 losses in their last 5 matches. A record that led them to miss out on the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualification after finishing 3rd in their group –only a point above rock-bottom Sudan.

The only win came at the start of the year against Sudan in March, while they had a 1-1 draw against Guinea to put an end to three successive losses. Gabon come into this one as slight favorites due to their home advantage, it is however expected to be a tough match looking at the past results of both teams.

Less local, more foreign based

Coach Firat's continued emphasis on selecting predominantly foreign players persists in this squad, featuring a blend of local talent and new faces.

Unfortunately, Harambee Stars will be without the services of goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo and defender Joseph Okumu. On a positive note, the inclusion of FKF Premier League's top scorer, Benson Omalla, adds a promising dimension to the team. Additionally, Dennis Ng’ang’a joins the squad as a replacement for the absent Joseph Okumu. The roster also sees the exciting debut call-ups of defenders Nabi Kibunguchy and Haniff Wesonga, injecting fresh talent and potential into the national team.

Axed Aubameyang

Gabon’s coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has made the unexpected decision to omit Olympic Marseille star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from his final squad. This exclusion comes as a surprise considering Aubameyang's prolific career and significant contributions to Gabonese football. Without Aubameyang, the spotlight now turns to the selected squad, which comprises a mix of domestic and international talents.

Key players in the squad include goalkeepers Mbaba Loyce and Ngoubi Anse, along with defenders such as Appindangoye Aaron and Ecuele Manga. The midfield is bolstered by talents like Mario Lemina and Guelor Kanga, while the forward lineup features Babicka Shavi and Medwin Biteghe, among other notable names. The coach's decision to leave out Aubameyang adds intrigue to the team dynamics and places emphasis on the collective strength of the selected players.

This game promises to be an intriguing watch, and Tisini will be on hand to provide you with all the latest updates and live match data, ensuring you stay informed about every moment of the action.

Featured Image: Harambee Stars, X