Last minute goal saves Harambee Stars from defeat to Gambia

It was the proverbial game of two halves in Abidjan Ivory Coast as Gambia and Kenya played to an exciting 3-3 draw in a 2026 World Cup Qualifier Thursday night.

The Kenyans looked destined to lose their first-ever match under new head coach Benni McCarthy before a 96th-minute equaliser from William Wilson who rescued a point after Gambia failed to clear a long throw.

Gambia, will be kicking themselves as they wasted a number of opportunities to score including a missed first half penalty by Musa Barrow.

They led by two goals, and later by one, before Wilson fired past goalkeeper Ebrima Jarju from the edge of the six-yard box.

Barrow atoned for his poor spot-kick miss by scoring twice. Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh scored the other goal.

Kenyan Captain Michael Olunga, scored from a penalty, and substitute Mohammed Bajaber were the other Kenyan scorers at the national stadium in Abidjan. Olunga also missed an open chance in the first half to give the Kenyans the lead.

Gabon, who beat Seychelles 3-0 in Franceville to lead the group with 12 points, face Kenya in Nairobi on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium in a match that now becomes a must win fixture for the Harambee Stars.

Reigning African champions Ivory Coast have 10 points ahead of their clash with Burundi on Friday. Burundi have seven points, Kenya six, Gambia four, and Seychelles none.

Only the nine group winners in Africa are guaranteed places at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.