William Lenkupae netted a 95th-minute goal on his first appearance, leading Harambee Stars to an impressive come-from-behind tie at 3-3 against Gambia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
The Stars fell behind with a score of 2-0 but managed to equalize and bring the game to 2-2. However, Musa Barrow scored his second goal of the evening in the 84th minute, giving Gambia a narrow 3-2 advantage.
Nevertheless, Australia-born Lenkupae, who entered as a second-half substitute, found the back of the net from close range to secure a draw for Benni McCarthy in his debut match as coach of the Harambee Stars.
A high-scoring second half emerged with six goals and non-stop excitement. After having his initial penalty save blocked by Ian Otieno, Barrow finally broke through for the opening goal at the 55-minute mark, followed by Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh doubling their lead to make it 2-0.
However, Stars sparked into action as captain Michael Olunga reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, followed by substitute and newcomer Mohamed Bejaber netting an impressive equalizer.
Barrow triggered an offside trap to score the second, yet the resilient spirit of the renewed Stars drove them to fight for a tie.
The stars began the match strongly as captain Olunga sent a header just wide, Richard Odada struck a volley narrowly over the crossbar, and John Avire’s free-kick hit the wall.
The Gambia had an opportunity to take the lead seven minutes before halftime when they were awarded a penalty following Ian Otieno bringing down Alieu Fadera within the penalty area. Nevertheless, the goalkeeper redeemed himself with a remarkable save, stopping Barrow’s attempt from the spot kick.
In the second half though, the Al Taawon striker made amends and broke the deadlock with a brilliant finish in the 55th minute. A vicious turn took him away from Odada before curling the ball into the top left corner.
It was 2-0 six minutes later, this time Minteh getting into the scoresheet with a right boot finish into the roof of the net off a Joseph Ceesay cross from the right.
Even though they were trailing 2-0, Stars showed resilience by bringing in McCarthy for some attacking changes. In came Bejaber, Lenkupae, and the tall striker Jonah Ayunga to boost their offensive capabilities.
It was Ayunga who scored the initial goal as he received a precise pass from Olunga and darted into the penalty area only to be tripped up. As the team leader, he stepped forward and converted the resulting penalty, cutting the opposition’s lead in half with his successful kick at the 69-minute mark.
It was 2-2 just six minutes later as Bejaber displayed exceptional skill with an outstanding goal from the upper reaches of the net. The recent addition to the Kenya Police FC effortlessly maneuvered past his defender before bending the shot into the top-left corner.
It could have been approximately 3-2 minutes later when Bejaber sent Rooney Onyango through towards the goal, but his attempt was thwarted by two sliding defenders.
At the opposite end, Barrow capitalized on the lost opportunity by scoring his second goal of the evening, gently finishing from near the goal line following a deflected attempt within the penalty box. Shortly thereafter, he nearly extended their lead to 4-2, but goalkeeper Ian Otieno stretched out fully to push away his swerving effort.
On the final attempt, Kenya scored a point. Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma's lengthy throw-in wasn't adequately defended, and Lenkupae was strategically positioned to power the ball into the top corner of the net.
Kenya will play against Gabon at home on Sunday, aiming for a victory to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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