McCarthy's Kenya faces Gabon test

03/21/2025 05:00 AM

Kenya's next task in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will see them go up against Gabon at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 15h00 CAT.

Benni McCarthy's charges are coming off the back of a six goal thriller in their campaign where they came from behind twice to draw 3-3 with the Gambia in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The fourth placed Harambee Stars are going into this clash against the Panthers, who are Group F leaders with a renewed spirit as McCarthy goes into his second competitive match in the dugout.

Former Zambia coach Honour Janza says the appointment of the Bafana Bafana legend is a progressive development in African football.

"It's not an easy decision and investment for an African nation to appoint an African coach," he said.

"For that move and appointment, it must go with kudos from us African coaches. This is a bigger step that Africa is showing to the world that we have our own that can cross borders and take charge in a bigger platform.

"We need to encourage such. Congratulations to Benni. Stay focused," Janza added.

Meanwhile, Gabon's previous match in the qualifiers ended in a 3-0 victory against the bottom-placed Seychelles as they stretched their lead at the top to a total of 12 points.

Panthers forward Denis Bouanga scored a brace in the clash, and also recently reflected on the positive momentum of the team, boosted by their qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.

"I think we have a very strong squad. It's a great era for Gabon, with a group capable of achieving great things. It's up to us to stay consistent and maintain this mindset," Bouanga said in an interview with CAFonline.