Published on March 23, 2025 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 1 year by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Ex-Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the hero as Gabon edged out hosts Kenya 2-1 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, March 24th, 2026.
Aubameyang scored Gabon’s Panthers in both halves of the match, Gabon, who have never qualified for the World Cup, move to 15 points from their six games in Group ‘F’, while Cote d’Ivoire have 13 points from five matches and are next in action at home to Gambia on Monday.
Kenya’s captain, Michael Olunga, found the net in the second half, scoring the consolation goal.
This marked the first competitive international fixture played on Kenyan soil in nearly two years, adding extra significance to the encounter.
Kenya’s national football team Harambee Stars came into this match on the back of a thrilling 3-3 comeback draw against Gambia in Ivory Coast on Thursday night.
The match at Nyayo was a debut home soil fixture for Kenya’s new South African tactician, former English Premier League champions Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy.
McCarthy made key changes to his lineup, handing starts to Johnstone Omurwa, Timothy Ouma, William Lenkupae, and Mohammed Bajaber. They replaced Brian Mandela, Ismael Gonzalez, Eric Omondi, and John Avire, who had featured in the previous match against Gambia.
A defensive lapse in the 16th minute allowed Aubameyang to break the deadlock with a close-range finish past goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
Two minutes later, Olunga thought he had equalised when he pounced on a rebound after Marius failed to hold Lenkupae’s shot. However, the goal was ruled offside, much to the frustration of the home supporters.
Aubameyang almost doubled Gabon’s lead in the 48th minute, but his shot hit the goalpost. However, just three minutes later, he scored again from the penalty spot after Erick Ouma handled the ball inside the box.
Kenya’s efforts to get back into the game continued, but Olunga’s struggles in front of goal led to calls for his substitution from sections of the crowd. He eventually delivered in the 62nd minute, racing down the left wing and unleashing a powerful low shot past Marius.
Following the loss, Stars remain rooted in fourth in Group F with six points.
