Kenyans react to Harambee Stars' heavy loss against Ivory Coast
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Reading Time: 4min | Wed. 15.10.25. | 11:51
Once again, Mozzart Sport sampled reactions from Kenyans on social media as well as those sent directly to us after the match
Following Harambee Stars' heavy defeat at the hands of the Ivory Coast, Kenyans have taken to various platforms to issue varying views after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.
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The Elephants hosted Harambee Stars at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, with the hosts emerging 3-0 victors and securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kenya’s night turned sour straight from kick off as the West African nation took the lead in the seventh minute courtesy of former Barcelona midfielder Frank Kessie.
Harambee Stars were lucky to head to half-time with just a one-goal deficit as the Ivory Coast wasted several big chances and half-chances through Nicholas Pepe and teenage sensation Yan Diamonde, who was dazzling past the Kenyan defense at will.
The 18-year-old doubled the host's lead in the 54th minute before Manchester United winger Amad Diallo completed the scoring with a sublime free kick in the 84th minute.
Once again, Mozzart Sport sampled reactions from Kenyans on social media as well as those sent directly to us after the match.
Peter Ngaruiya on the Harambee Stars Facebook page believed Kenya did their best despite the loss.
“We played well in the first minutes of the second half, looked composed and with some confidence. Lenkupae (William) plays awesome in central, and saw a couple of accurate long passes from him. Wilson (Adam) is still getting in there.
We need to be more aggressive in attack, as we still lack the lethal aspect of it. Anyway, we did our best. The goal that we conceded in the early minutes was the red flag,” stated Ngaruiya.
Gor Mahia fan Janam Datche chose to cite issues with coach Benni McCarthy’s fielding as a reason for the Ivory Coast’s dominance.
"Fielding is a thorny issue. We will always have feelings for and against certain players. For now, it is quite honest that Olunga lacks rhythm with the national team. There are players, too, who are not ready for such levels. Today I could single out Sakari, Olunga and Lenkupae.
Overall, we must strengthen our local league, at least at the top two levels. Why, because without worthy academies, our leagues are the talent unearthing pool for our football, and the boys out of that league are very hungry for opportunities beyond the borders, they fight differently,” he stated.
For Ulinzi Stars CEO Edwin Muta, the difference in the levels of football investments between Kenya and the Ivory Coast played out in the match.
“We need to invest in facilities. Ivory Coast has invested in training facilities such as the Sol Beni Complex, where the National Team trains.
Even in the far areas in the central parts of the country, such as the administrative centre, Yamassoukro, you find serious soccer facilities. The result was a reflection of investments,” Muta told Mozzart Sport.
Sports analyst Abdul Mark, on his part, pointed out areas where Kenya fell short in the match.
“There was a midfield disconnect and no synergy at the start. Defence was under constant pressure, and it became too easy for Ivorians to play through us without a functioning mid-block.
We needed to control the tempo, slow down opposition transitions. We knew they would dominate possession, so when we did get the ball, it had to count,” remarked Abdul.
NTV sports journalist Elijah Ouko also weighed in on the matter and attributed the loss to how Harambee Stars set up.
“I think maybe if the coach went with a different formation, say a 4-5-1, we would have had more bodies in that midfield to try to battle and control the game a bit better and have Job and Lenkupae on the wings to provide outlets when we get the ball.
A mid of Alpha (Onyango), Marvin (Nabwire) and Duke (Abuya) /Timothy Ouma /Austine (Odhiambo) would have sufficed,” stated Ouko.
His colleague Abu Oketch thought that what played out was the difference in class between the two teams.
“We are still underdogs in international football. How many Kenyan players ply their trade in the top five leagues in the world? Compare that to the Ivory Coast team. Ivorians were way above us. It is high time we start developing a strong team and players in the top levels,” he said.
For Zoo FC fan Mwania Sos, Kenya stood no chance against the Ivorians due to the difference in ambitions.
“We were just honouring a fixture that we knew we would lose. The Elephants were playing for World Cup qualification. Sadly, we didn't even enjoy football despite the zero pressure.”
Mozzart Sport senior writer Kevin Teya could not find any good from the match in relation to Kenya.
“We were poor all through. Not sure if there's any positive to pick from that game.”
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