6 key battles likely to decide Harambee Stars' clash against The Gambia
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Reading Time: 4min | Fri. 05.09.25. | 12:16
Both sets of teams will be relying on their key players to be at their best and win their individual battles, six of those battles being key in determining the match winner
Ahead of Kenya's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against The Gambia, there will be several individual battles that will take centre stage in the highly anticipated encounter.
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The return clash is set for today, Friday, 5 September, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from 1600 hrs (EAT).
The match might be all about pride and bragging rights for the two teams as they both stand little chance of qualifying for the global tourney.
Kenya are fourth in Group F with six points, 12 shy of group leaders Gabon, while The Gambia are fifth with four points after six rounds of matches.
Both sets of teams will be relying on their key players to be at their best and win their individual battles, six of those battles being key in determining the match winner.
Michael Olunga vs Omar Colley
The first of the key battles expected in the match will pit Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga against Omar Colley at the heart of The Gambia’s defense.
Olunga, as the captain of the Kenyan team, will be under pressure to ensure that he leads from the front and delivers goals for Kenya.
Additionally, the former Gor Mahia star, who is four goals away from being the country's all-time goalscorer, will be out to close the gap.
However, the Al Arabi forward will be up against the equally experienced Colley, who has been marshalling The Gambia's defense.
This epic battle will be a key determinant of which team carries the day at Kasarani.
Yankubah Minteh vs Abud Omar
Yankubah Minteh is undoubtedly The Gambia's best and most popular player. The 21-year-old’s rise from The Gambia to English Premier League (EPL) side Brighton Hove & Albion has been remarkable and one to admire.
The former Newcastle United defender has not only been a thorn in the flesh for African defenders but also for elite defenders in the EPL.
Minteh was an influential figure in the 3-3 draw in the first leg, scoring a goal for his troubles, and will once again be Kenya's biggest threat.
With the absence of Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, Kenyan CHAN captain Abud Omar is expected to start at left back and will be tasked with containing Minteh and must be at his best to achieve that task.
Duke Abuya vs Ebou Adams
Young Africans (Yanga) SC midfielder Duke Abuya might be tasked with providing creativity for coach Benni McCarthy's side.
With the absence of Mohamed Bajaber and Austine Odhiambo, Abuya will shoulder the responsibility of playing off Olunga.
Abuya, who finished the Tanzanian Premier League on a high, will be hoping to be at his best as he faces Ebou Adams, an experienced midfielder for The Scorpions who plies his trade in the English second tier with Derby County.
Boniface Muchiri vs Joseph Ceesay
After his impressive performances at CHAN that resulted in his promotion from a private to a corporal in the military, Boniface Muchiri has been retained for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The 29-year-old will be expected to provide an attacking threat if called upon by McCarthy from the flank to feed Michael Olunga in the box.
Muchiri will be up against a much more experienced opponent in Ceesay, who plies his trade in the Italian second tier with Empoli.
Musa Barrow vs Alphonce Omija
The Gambia's attack will be in the hands of Musa Barrow, who turns out for Al Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League.
The former Bologna man was electric in the first leg, where he scored a brace in the 3-3 draw.
Gor Mahia's Alphonce Omija is expected to once again be at the heart of Kenya's defense against The Gambia and be the man to silence Barrow.
The winner of this battle is likely to be on the winning side at full-time.
Jonathan McKinstry vs Benni McCarthy
Former Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry will face off with Benni McCarthy in the tactical battle.
Both tacticians have proven their worth over time; McKinstry most recently by winning two league titles with Gor Mahia and McCarthy by guiding Kenya to a quarter-final finish at CHAN.
Each of the two must get their tactics right if they are to win the match.
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