Kenyans secure draw against Gambia in six-goal thriller

Under former Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry, Gambia took the lead through Brighton winger Yankuba Minten, while winger Musa Barrow netted a brace for the Scorpions.

Kenya’s captain Michael Olunga converted a penalty in the 67th minute, with second-half substitute Mohamed Bajaber adding another in the 75th minute.

William Lenkupae, also a second-half substitute, salvaged a point for Kenya with a last-minute goal, sparking wild celebrations on the Stars’ bench.

The result leaves Kenya fourth in Group F with six points from five matches, while Gambia remain fifth with four points. Gabon went top of the group with 12 points after a 3-0 win over Seychelles.

Côte d'Ivoire are second with 10 points, followed by Burundi (7), and Seychelles are bottom with no point.

Kenya started strongly with fluid ball movement and controlled possession, forcing Gambia onto the back foot.

The Scorpions, however, grew into the game and relied on counterattacks led by Minten on the right and Alieu Fadera on the left.

Sheriff Shinyan was booked early for pulling down Olunga in the fifth minute.

Four minutes later, Rooney Onyango, the only locally based player in Kenya’s starting XI, delivered a cross to Olunga, but the striker misdirected his header wide.

Kenya’s pressure won them a free kick in the 12th minute after Olunga was brought down by Abubakr Barry, but the opportunity was squandered.

Gambia’s tactical shift to a defensive setup proved effective as they exploited Kenya’s weaknesses on the counter.

The strategy nearly paid off when goalkeeper Ian Otieno conceded a penalty in the 27th minute after fouling Fadera inside the box. However, Otieno redeemed himself by saving Barrow’s spot kick, keeping Kenya in the game.

The Scorpions continued to push forward, with Minten and Barrow linking up well in added time of the first half, but Kenya managed to clear the danger before the break.

McCarthy made his first change at halftime, handing Lenkupae his debut as he replaced Ismael Gonzalez.

The Gambia struck first in the second half, with Barrow making up for his earlier penalty miss by curling a brilliant first-touch effort into the top corner in the 54th minute, leaving Otieno with no chance.

The goal energized Gambia, and they quickly doubled their lead through Minten, who fired in from close range in the 63rd minute. Kenya’s defence struggled to cope with the Scorpions’ relentless attacks.

In response, McCarthy introduced Mohamed Bajaber and Jonah Ayunga for John Avire and Eric Johana. The changes paid off when Ayunga won a penalty, allowing Olunga to convert from the spot in the 67th minute.

Kenya equalised in the 75th minute through Bajaber, who unleashed a stunning long-range shot that beat Gambian goalkeeper Ebrima Jarju.

Just when Kenya seemed to be back in the game, Barrow completed his brace with an 83rd-minute tap-in, capitalising on Kenya’s defensive lapse.

Gambia looked set to secure all three points, but Kenya refused to go down without a fight. In the dying moments of added time, Lenkupae capitalised on a long throw-in to score the dramatic equaliser, securing a crucial point for Harambee Stars.

Kenya play Gabon at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.