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Kenya sit at the bottom of Group F following the Gabon loss which offered vital lessons.
Harambee Stars got their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to a disastrous start with a last-gasp 2-1 loss away to Gabon on Thursday evening.
The result got a lot of fans, pundits, and journalists talking, which drew a lot of talking points and observations from the defeat after Kenya took part in its first competitive fixture since 2021, coincidentally when they beat Rwanda 2-1 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Although there is plenty about Stars that could make a book, here are five talking points from their last-gasp loss to the Panthers which were learned as they nurse their wounds and prepare to face Seychelles in their next match.
1. Rooney staking a permanent place
Let us start with the positive about the night that was Rooney Onyango. The Gor Mahia right back has been proving his weight in gold ever since making his debut against Russia a month ago, and he carried on that form to the match against Gabon.
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21:30 - 16.11.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars suffer late heartbreak as Gabon come from behind to secure victory in Franceville
Kenya paid the price for a poor second-half display as the Panthers of Gabon came from behind to collect all points in their 2026 World Cup qualifier
Onyango looked lively all evening, and could have gotten an assist as a cross he whipped in from the right found Masud Juma, who forced a brilliant save from the keeper who did well to prevent Gabon from going two goals down.
In what proved to be a gloomy affair for the Kenyans, Onyango has reason to stand tall.
2. Michael Olunga’s criticism is unwarranted
Michael Olunga has been polarising opinion among Kenyans on social media after going six matches now without finding the back of the net.
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14:06 - 15.11.2023
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However, it is important that fans put things into perspective. On a day when Kenya had less of the ball and had no creativity, he fed off scraps all evening, but whenever he held up the ball, he allowed willing runners like Masud Juma to run off him.
He does many things that go unnoticed for the side, especially his link up and back to goal play but will never get the credit he deserves.
Given the circumstances, he did try to make things happen but was isolated. Although he should have done better to convert the chance he received when Onyango whipped in the ball for him, his criticism is overboard.
3. Daniel Anyembe was a big miss at right back.
The last 20 minutes of the match had Gabon left winger Denis Bouanga have the freedom of the right wing as he constantly ran at Amos Nondi, and in the end, the side could not hold on and lost courtesy to a wonder strike by Guelor Kanga in the 86th minute.
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21:00 - 08.11.2023
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The loss underpinned the importance of Danish-born right back Daniel Anyembe, who looked solid against Qatar and looked like he had finally solved a huge problem that has been affecting Kenyan football for years.
There is nothing much Firat could have done to correct the problem, and that was despite the fact he subbed on Daniel Sakari, although the Tusker defender, a right back by trade, came on sensationally as a left winger for Masud Juma.
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18:00 - 16.11.2023
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4.Byrne Omondi could not be back any time sooner
KCB custodian Byrne Omondi suffered an unfortunate injury during Stars’ 2-2 draw with Russia, which will rule him out until at least the end of February 2024.
In his absence, Patrick Matasi started between the sticks, and his display on the night proved why Omondi displaced him as the national team’s first choice goalkeeper.
There was nothing much he could do about the second goal he conceded which was brilliant, but he could have done better with the opening goal, as he should have cleared his line more efficiently.
Omondi, who is one of the back five that was integral in the win against Qatar as Firat had appeared to find a settled defence, is needed back fit as soon as possible given his completeness.
His ability to make saves, as well as his calm and collected composure between the sticks, and his excellent distribution and ability to come for crosses, will be vital if Stars are to make amends in the remaining nine games of the campaign.
5. Second half disaster for Stars
Harambee Stars were awful especially in the second half, as they lost any sort of control they had, with Gabon intending to make amends for their earlier errors.
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20:00 - 16.11.2023
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Time and time again, they let Gabon fling the ball to their left side of the attack and caused havoc all second half. It was even a surprise that Kenya did well to keep the score respectable at full-time.
This underpinned a constant problem that has affected Stars for years, failing to handle the pressure when they have their backs against the walls. It is a mental block that could take years to reverse.
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