World Cup Qualifying: Gambia leapfrog Kenya after Kasarani triumph

World Cup Qualifying: Gambia leapfrog Kenya after Kasarani triumph

Photo: Gambia Football Federation

World Cup Qualifying: Gambia leapfrog Kenya after Kasarani triumph

Gambia secured their second win in Group F of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying from the Africa region with Friday’s 3-1 result over hosts Kenya at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

The stadium was full to the brim as the home side started the tie brightly. But the visitors were clinical up front and defensively compact during the first half.

Center-back Sheriff Sinyan headed in a corner from Yankuba Minteh in the 12th minute. The Brighton winger then doubled the lead after a good through ball from Musa Barrow in the 25th minute. It got worse for Kenya before half-time as Barrow scored with a beautiful volley to make it three.

The second half saw a much better performance from the hosts, while Gambia opted to sit back and defend their lead. Michael Olunga shot wide from range for Kenya’s best chance of the half. Scoring opportunities were rare, but second-half substitute Ryan Ogam pulled one back after he chested down a long ball to find the net past Gambia goalie Baboucarr Gaye nine minutes before time.

Gambia leapfrogged Kenya to sit fourth in the group with seven points. Both nations have bowed out of the automatic qualification spots after Gabon beat Seychelles.

Group F Table

  1. Gabon- 18 points (7 matches played)
  2. Ivory Coast- 16 points (6 matches)
  3. Burundi- 10 points (6 matches)
  4. Gambia- 7 points (7 matches)
  5. Kenya- 6 points (7 matches)
  6. Seychelles- 0 points (7 matches)

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