)
In 2001 Harambee Stars faced Gabon in an unforgettable match in Libreville, sparking anticipation for their upcoming showdown after 22 years.
Kenya national football team Harambee Stars is all set to embark on their journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with their opening match against Gabon on Thursday.
As the anticipation builds for this thrilling encounter, fans and football enthusiasts alike are taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit the unforgettable clashes between these two teams over two decades ago.
)
16:31 - 14.11.2023
FKFPL Gor Mahia secure friendly against Tanzanian side Azam
K'Ogalo and Azam FC gear up for an international friendly, providing a platform for talent assessment and cross-border footballing camaraderie.
The last time Harambee Stars and Gabon crossed paths was in the year 2001, during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
In the return leg of the qualifiers, played on March 24, 2001, at Stade d'Angondjé, Libreville, Gabon managed to secure a 1-1 draw.
)
17:31 - 14.11.2023
FOOTBALL Kenyans missing as CAF unveils women nominees for CAF Awards 2023
Nigerian football star Asisat Oshoala is aiming to retain her Player of the Year title at the CAF Awards 2023.
The game saw Gabon take the lead through a penalty in the 67th minute but Sammy Wanyonyi emerged as the hero by netting an equalizer in the 85th minute salvaging a crucial point for Harambee Stars.
But the real drama unfolded in the first leg, held at the iconic Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on January 13, 2001.
)
05:45 - 14.11.2023
Harambee Stars: With a decimated defence, who could Firat turn to against Gabon & Seychelles?
Pulse Sports looks at the options available to Harambee Stars coach Egin Firat following the unavailability of three first-choice defenders ahead of Gabon and Seychelles matches
In front of their passionate home crowd, Harambee Stars displayed remarkable resilience against the Central African giants. The Panthers struck first with Etienne Bito'o finding the net in the 13th minute.
However, Bonventure Maruti with nerves of steel swiftly equalized for Harambee Stars in the 18th minute.
)
11:00 - 14.11.2023
FOOTBALL Why highly rated Harambee Stars defender Daniel Anyembe is absent ahead of World Cup qualifiers
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has discussed Daniel Anyembe's absence in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The defining moment of that encounter came in the 72nd minute when Robert Mambo scored the winning goal and Harambee Stars under the late German coach Reinhard Fabisch emerged victorious with a final score of 2-1 much to the delight of their fans.
Reflecting on those historic matches one cannot help but remember the stalwart players who represented Kenya with honor and pride.
Names like Mike Mururi, Musa Otieno, Eric Ongao, Josiah Ougo, and John Lichuku are still etched in the memories of football enthusiasts across the nation.
Fast forward to the present, and the footballing landscape has evolved dramatically. The Stade De la Renovation in Franceville, where the upcoming clash will take place, has transformed from a stadium that could accommodate only 10,000 fans to a colossal venue with a capacity of 40,000.
)
15:04 - 14.11.2023
FOOTBALL Masud Juma on why Harambee Stars players are confident about 2026 World Cup chances
Harambee Stars striker exudes confidence for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers despite injury concerns, aiming for success.
The stadium 's upgrade was showcased during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, marking Gabon's growing influence in African football.
As the clock ticks down to Thursday's match, Harambee Stars' captain, Michael Olunga, is leading the charge with unwavering determination.
The Al Duhail striker emphasizes the significance of replicating the success of the old generation by conquering Gabon once again.
)
18:09 - 14.11.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars: Firat explains why he recalled enterprising midfielder Eric Johana
Harambee Stars coach has explained why he called back Eric Johana to the squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles after a long absence.
Olunga believes that the team's thorough preparation, coupled with the confidence gained from previous friendly matches, has put them in a prime position for a successful campaign.
“We have prepared well ahead of the qualifiers, and I feel we are better placed to have a successful campaign," he asserts. "The boys are in good shape, and the friendly matches that we have played previously will give us confidence that we can conquer all before us.”
The upcoming clash against Gabon serves as an opportunity for Harambee Stars to draw inspiration from their past triumphs and create a new chapter in their footballing history.
It is a chance to reignite the spirit that fueled their victories in 2001 and to make their mark on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
)
17:45 - 14.11.2023
FOOTBALL Gabon suspend former Sunderland and Bordeaux duo ahead of Harambee Stars clash
Gabon Football Federation expels two key players ahead of crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kenya.
Looking ahead, the return leg between these two formidable teams is scheduled for March 24, 2025, at a venue yet to be decided. Interestingly, this will be a role reversal from the 2001 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when Kenya hosted the first leg in Nairobi.
Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)