Benni McCarthy’s reign as Harambee Stars’ head coach got off to a good start after the team avoided defeat away to The Gambia with a 95th-minute equalizer in the World Cup qualifiers.
What appeared to be Benni’s first loss at the helm was rescued by a scrappy goal from William Lenkupae Wilson in the dying moments of the match to give Kenya a deserved point in Ivory Coast.
Harambee stars come back from behind twice
Kenya had a great first half of the match with some good football and controlling the game, with even keeper Otieno saving a penalty in the 30th minute.
However, the team had the worst start to the second half as they conceded two goals in six minutes and by the 61st minute, they were two goals down with strikes from Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh, which seemed to have given The Gambia an easy three points.
Nevertheless, after Benni made a few changes, the Stars won a penalty, which Michael Olunga converted well to bring Kenya back into the game as the clock hit the 69th minute.
Just like The Gambia, six minutes later, the match was tied at 2-2 after a wonderful strike from substitute Mohammed Bajaber, who scored on his debut.
Poor defending from Harambee Stars saw The Gambia snatch the lead again in the 84th minute as Musa Barrow got his brace, which led to Benni sinking his head knowing that he had suffered his first defeat in the Kenyan colours.
Fate was, however, on his side because just as the game was about to end, a good throw-in from Eric Otieno caused confusion in the box and the ball ended up on William’s feat, who took his chance to score his first goal for the Harambee Stars.
The draw sees Kenya move into two fourth place with six points behind Burundi who have seven points.
The Harambee Stars will now take on Gabon at home on Sunday, March 23, a match the fans will expect them to win after a shambolic loss away in the previous fixture.
