Kenya’s Harambee Stars delivered a remarkable comeback that left fans the thousands of netizens who came to cheer them on the edge of their seats, in a pulsating international friendly held at the Al Janoub Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Kenyan international Joseph Okumu, a standout defender for French side Stade de Reims, set the tone with an impressive 20th-minute goal, nodding in a precision header from a corner.
The lead was however short-lived as the hosts Qatar, displaying their football prowess, responded with a 34th-minute equalizer from the penalty spot, courtesy of Hassan AL-Haydos.
The goal that sealed the win😍#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/BewulYhCEU
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 7, 2023
It was the visitors who however had the last laugh, with a stoppage time heroic goal from super substitute Amos Nondi Obiero sealing the win, orchestrated by a beautiful assist from none other than captain Michael Olunga, sending the thousands of Kenyan fans working in Qatar who were in the stadium in a frenzy mode celebrating the unexpected but well-deserved triumph.
With Qatar ranked 59th and Kenya at 105th in the current FIFA standings, the important win not only adds to Kenya’s footballing prestige but is poised to boost their FIFA rankings.
The team is expected to jet back to Nairobi on Friday, 10th September, with Harambee Stars now shifting their focus to their next friendly against South Sudan on September 12th, to be held at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani Stadium.
Olunga’s Praise for Team Effort
In his post-match reaction, Captain Michael Olunga acknowledged Qatar’s strong performance but praised his team’s character and collective effort.
“I am super proud of the collective effort. We started the game well and finished well but it was very difficult because the Qatar national team played really good football. Of course, we carried the day in the end and congratulations to all the teams,” he noted.
Proud of the collective team effort
My Team KENYA🇰🇪❤️
Thank you so much for the support🙏🏾🇰🇪@Harambee__Stars pic.twitter.com/FbuWn4S3HI
— MICHAEL OLUNGA (@OgadaOlunga) September 7, 2023
Eyes on 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
With preparations already underway for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Kenya finds itself grouped with Burundi, Seychelles, Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Gambia. Upcoming fixtures include matches against Gabon on November 13th and Seychelles on November 20th, 2023.
The expanded 48-team World Cup format presents Africa with the opportunity to secure more spots, making these qualifiers even more crucial for Harambee Stars’ aspirations on the global stage.