FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Harambee Stars Opponents Gambia Jet In Quietly Ahead of Group F Clash at Kasarani

The Gambia national team, the Scorpions, have arrived in Nairobi ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against Kenya’s Harambee Stars scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025, at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The Gambian contingent touched down quietly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday morning, with the first batch of over 10 players and officials making the trip.

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Immediately upon arrival, the team was transferred to a Nairobi hotel, where they will be based for the duration of their stay in the Kenyan capital.

The Scorpions' head coach, Johnathan McKinstry, has kept a low profile, but a source close to him acknowledged the task ahead.

“We know it will be a difficult environment. Kenya are playing at home, and their fans are very passionate. But for us, every game is now like a final, and we will fight for every point,” the official told reporters after the team's arrival.

The Scorpions were scheduled to hold a light training session later in the evening before moving to Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday for their official feel of the pitch.

The qualification in math is stacked against Gambia. The Scorpions sit on four points, 12 adrift of group leaders Côte d’Ivoire and 11 behind second-placed Gabon.

For any realistic chance of progressing, they must win all their remaining four matches and hope Gabon falters, while both Burundi and Kenya fail to cross the 15-point mark.

CAF’s revised qualification format adds another layer of difficulty. Only group winners are guaranteed a spot at the 2026 finals, while the best four runners-up will contest a playoff for a single intercontinental slot.

“It’s a mountain to climb,” admitted Gambian midfielder Ablie Jallow.

“But in football, nothing is impossible. We believe in ourselves and will give our all.”

Kenya sits fourth with six points from one win, three draws, and two losses. Ivory Coast leads the pack with 16 points, followed by Gabon with 15 and Burundi on 10. Seychelles remain bottom without a point.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed that tickets for the anticipated clash are already on sale via tikiti.co.ke, with fans urged to purchase early since no tickets will be sold at the gates in compliance with CAF and FIFA rules.

The pricing structure is designed to accommodate fans across different categories, with ordinary tickets going for Ksh300, silver at Ksh500, VIP tickets at Ksh2,000, while the exclusive VVIP section will be reserved at Ksh5,000.

Kick-off is slated for 4:00 pm on Friday, with thousands of fans expected to throng Kasarani.