Kenya 1-2 Gabon: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's brace sinks a brave Harambee Stars at a packed Nyayo stadium.

Benni McCarthy suffered his first loss as Harambee Stars coach after a 2-1 defeat at home against Gabon. The Panthers have their talismanic striker to thank for the three points as they temporarily moved top of group F in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Kenya sits fourth in the group, nine points behind Gabon. 

The game started off at a rapid pace, with both teams launching attacks within the first minute of the game. Anthony Akumu had a shot from midfield parried away by Mbaba in goal while on the other side Kenya needed a goal-line clearance to deny Aubameyang. Kenya looked nervous at the back and Gabon were always looking for the ball in behind the Kenyan defence with focus on hitting balls for Bouanga to run onto and cross for Aubameyang. 

The breakthrough did come in the 15th minute when Kanga found Aubameyang with a nicely floated ball which the striker took down beautifully and slotted past Ian Otieno. It was attack after attack for both teams and Michael Olunga thought he'd equalized after tapping home a rebound from Lenkupae's shot but he was flagged offside. Olunga would hit the post in the 40th minute from just outside the box, as Kenya piled on the pressure. Olunga would be guilty of missing a free header in the box from a gorgeous cross by Rooney Onyango, Kenya finished the half strongly and were unlucky to not equalize. 

The second half was a different affair. Gabon doubled their lead in the 52nd minute from the penalty spot through Aubameyang after Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma blocked a shot using his arm. Gabon were now contented and allowed Harambee Stars to have the ball. The long balls that were prevalent in the first half were replaced by short tidy passes as Odada finally grew into the game. 

It would be Marcelo who would take the game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen for Kenya. His dribbling and pace would cause havoc for Gabon on the left and he would finally get his assist in the 62nd minute. Marcelo beat his man, ran towards the box and crossed for Olunga to toe-poke the ball past Mbaba in goal. Was another comeback on the cards for McCathy's side?

Gabon did well to deal with Marcelo for the last 20 minutes as Kenya struggled to create any meaningful chance. Duke Abuya had a shot blocked in the box while Jonah Ayunga had half chances which he was too slow to take. Gabon proved too strong for Harambee Stars whose lack of real firepower from the bench was clear to see. 

Despite the result, the Harambee Stars have scored four goals in two games under McCarthy's tutelage. The defensive record is a slight worry, but McCarthy has his team scoring goals, something that the last two foreign coaches have struggled to do. 

The biggest win for Kenya today was the show of support from the local football fans who filled Nyayo stadium to the brim. It was yet another confirmation at just how much potential football has in Kenya. AFCON 2027 has the potential to impact the football culture in our country like the World Cup in 2010 did for the African continent. Today was a step in the right direction despite the narrow defeat.