Super-sub William Lenkupae made a dream debut for Harambee Stars, scoring a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer to rescue a 3-3 draw against Gambia in a pulsating 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Kenya had fallen 2-0 behind, mounted a stunning comeback to level at 2-2, but Musa Barrow’s second goal of the night in the 84th minute seemed to have sealed victory for Gambia. However, Australia-born Lenkupae had the final say, smashing home from close range to earn Benni McCarthy a crucial point in his first match as Harambee Stars’ head coach.
Six-Goal Thriller Under the Lights
The match exploded into life in the second half, delivering all six goals in a breathtaking, end-to-end contest.
Gambia’s Musa Barrow had an early chance to put his side ahead from the penalty spot seven minutes before halftime, but Kenyan keeper Ian Otieno came to the rescue with a brilliant save.
However, Barrow made amends in the 55th minute, pulling off a superb turn past Richard Odada before curling a beauty into the top corner for 1-0. Just six minutes later, Brighton & Hove Albion forward Yankuba Minteh doubled the lead, finishing off a Joseph Ceesay cross with a powerful strike into the roof of the net.
Kenya Fights Back in Style
Despite being 2-0 down, Harambee Stars refused to roll over. Coach Benni McCarthy rang in attacking changes, introducing Mohamed Bejaber, Lenkupae, and Jonah Ayunga to add firepower up front.
The substitutions made an instant impact. Jonah Ayunga raced onto a Michael Olunga through ball but was brought down inside the box, earning Kenya a 69th-minute penalty. Olunga stepped up and calmly converted to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Six minutes later, the stadium erupted as Bejaber marked his Harambee Stars debut with a sensational goal. The Kenya Police FC star executed a brilliant turn to shake off his marker before curling the ball into the top left corner, leveling the score at 2-2.
Barrow Strikes Again, But Lenkupae Has the Final Say
Kenya nearly took the lead moments later when Bejaber played Rooney Onyango through on goal, but his shot was heroically blocked by two sliding Gambian defenders.
Gambia then punished Kenya’s missed opportunity in the 84th minute, as Barrow capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to slot home from close range, restoring Gambia’s 3-2 lead. He almost bagged a hat-trick, but Ian Otieno made a spectacular full-stretch save to deny his curling effort.
With time running out, Kenya threw everything forward. In stoppage time, Eric “Marcelo” Ouma launched a long throw into the box, and the Gambian defense failed to clear. The ball fell perfectly to Lenkupae, who smashed it into the roof of the net, sealing an unforgettable 3-3 draw for Harambee Stars.
What’s Next for Kenya?
Harambee Stars will now shift focus to their next World Cup qualifier against Gabon at home on Sunday, where they will be seeking a crucial victory to keep their Qatar 2026 dream alive.
