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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang led Gabon proved just too good and strong for their hosts Benni McCarthy's Kenya in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
South African legend Benni McCarthy’s first home game as Kenya’s coach ended in disgrace, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon snatching a 2-1 win on Sunday, at Nyayo Stadium.
From a thrilling start to a crushing finish, here are the seven defining moments that left the Harambee Stars reeling and their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
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1. Anthem Fails to Ignite as McCarthy Debut
A solemn rendition of Kenya’s national anthem rang out to mark the Harambee Stars’ first competitive home game in years—and McCarthy’s Nairobi bow as coach.
The former Manchester United assistant debuted six new players, but the patriotic vibes couldn’t spark a win against a ruthless Gabon side.
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2. Electric Opening Two Minutes Stun the Crowd
The game exploded into life from the kickoff. Kenya stung Gabon’s keeper inside the first minute, only for the Panthers to nearly score seconds later—thwarted by a desperate goal-line clearance.
Both sides showed impressive intensity, with Kenya’s enthusiasm rattling Gabon early on in the match.
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3. Aubameyang Silences Nyayo with a Shock Opener
After weathering Kenya’s storm, Gabon struck first at the 15-minute mark to take the lead.
Playing his first game on his return to the team, Aubameyang, the ex-Arsenal and Barcelona star back in Panthers colours, pounced on a loose ball to fire home.
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The Nyayo faithful fell silent as McCarthy’s men trailed against the run of play.
4. Olunga’s First-Half Horror Show Wastes Golden Chances
Kenya captain Michael Olunga could’ve levelled it but fluffed his lines—three times.
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A shot was saved, another rattled the woodwork, and a point-blank header sailed wide just before halftime.
The striker’s misses left fans groaning and McCarthy’s side chasing the game, proving ultimately costly.
5. Penalty Nightmare Deepens Kenya’s Woes
Early in the second half, disaster struck. A clumsy handball gifted Gabon a penalty, and Aubameyang, who’d won it, stepped up.
Cool as ice, he rolled in his second, his first brace for Gabon since 2015, leaving Kenya two goals down again, after their 3-3 Gambia draw.
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6. Olunga Strikes Back, but It’s Too Little, Too Late
Past the hour mark, Olunga redeemed himself, poking home a brilliant cross from Otieno—the same man who’d faltered earlier.
The stadium erupted, dreaming of another comeback like against Gambia. Yet, Gabon’s defence stood tall, snuffing out Kenya’s late surge.
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7. Gabon Seal the Double, McCarthy’s Dream Shattered
The final whistle confirmed a painful first defeat for Benni. Gabon completed a double over Kenya, inspired by Aubameyang’s masterclass.
The Panthers now top Group F with five wins from six, while Kenya, fourth with six points, face a steep road to the 2026 World Cup.
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McCarthy’s homecoming? A nightmare courtesy of Gabon’s returning hero.
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