Kenya’s Harambee Stars will be taking Gabon in a 2026 World Cup Qualifying tie on Sunday 23rd March at Nyayo Stadium from 4 pm EAT
The reverse tie went in favour of Gabon as they emerged 2-1 winners with goals from Denis Bouanga and Guelor Kanga rendering Masud Juma’s strike a mere consolation. But how have both teams fared in previous meetings?
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Kenya first met Gabon in an African Cup of Nations Qualifier on January 25th, 1997 where they emerged 1-0 winners. The solo goal was scored by Seif Mutie when Stars was under German tactician Reinhard Fabisch. When Gabon hosted Kenya in the return leg on July 13th of the same year, Kenya went 0-1 down; Theodore Zue Nguema being the scorer of the game.
Stars were to meet Gabon again in an AFCON Qualifier on January 13th, 2001 where the hosts emerged 2-1 winners on the day. Visitors Gabon were to take a 12th-minute lead through Etienne Bito’o but Stars equalized through Bonaventure Maruti six minutes later before Robeert Mambo popped with the winner 18 minutes from time.
In the reverse fixture staged in Gabon, Kenya fought to a 1-1 draw. Valery Ondo was to give the hosts a 67th-minute lead from the penalty only for Sammy Wanyanyi to ensure Kenya walked home with a point with a goal five minutes from time.
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