Match Day: Kenya vs Gabon- A crucial clash in World Cup qualifiers

Kenya's midfielder Mohammed Bajaber celebrates after scoring equaliser against Gambia/FILE

Kenya will be aiming for a crucial home victory today as they host Gabon in a World Cup qualifiers match at Nyayo Stadium. 

This marks the first competitive international fixture played on Kenyan soil in nearly two years, adding extra significance to the encounter.

The Harambee Stars come into this match on the back of a thrilling 3-3 comeback draw against Gambia in Ivory Coast on Thursday night. 

That hard-fought result kept their qualification hopes alive, but they remain in a precarious position.

Kenya currently sits fourth in Group F with six points from one win, three draws, and a defeat. 

They trail group leaders Ivory Coast by seven points, who secured a slender 1-0 win against Burindi on Friday night and  Stars and are six behind second-placed Gabon.

A victory today is essential for Kenya to strengthen their chances of progressing further in the qualifiers.

On the other hand, Gabon has been in formidable form, securing a dominant 3-0 win over Seychelles in their last outing. 

That result pushed them to the top of the standings before they were dislodged by Ivory Coast on Friday.

With both teams having plenty at stake, today’s clash at Nyayo Stadium promises to be a high-intensity battle as Kenya fights to stay in contention for World Cup qualification.

The match at Nyayo will be a debut home soil fixture for Kenya's new South African tactician, Benni McCarthy, with fans hoping for better results if the performance they witnessed in Abdijan on Thursday is anything to go by.

The gates for the highly anticipated match will open at 11 a.m..

By Saturday, all tickets had been sold.

Announcing the sellout, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) thanked Kenyans for their unwavering support, even as it urged them to not only buy tickets but show up to support their national team.

“All tickets for our FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Gabon are officially sold out! Your unwavering support means everything!"

“Let’s paint Nyayo red, black, and green this Sunday. Come cheer the team and let your voices be heard your energy could make all the difference,” FKF said on X.