The Gabon national football team arrived in Nairobi on the evening of March 21, 2025, at 20:30 local time (18:30 in Libreville) to prepare for a crucial match against Kenya, set for Sunday, March 23. This match marks a significant moment in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, particularly within Africa's Group F. The first leg, held on November 16, 2023, saw Gabon taking a narrow victory over Kenya, winning 2-1 in Franceville.
Gabon’s delegation arrived with a complete squad, fully prepared to face the Harambee Stars in a vital confrontation where every point counts. The team has been buoyed by a convincing 3-0 victory over Seychelles just days prior to this match, keeping their hopes alive in a tightly contested group.
As of now, Gabon sits in second place in Group F with 12 points, just behind Ivory Coast, which leads with 13 points. The standings are fairly close, with Burundi registered at 7 points, while Kenya trails behind at 6 points. This upcoming match is critical for Gabon, which is striving for historic qualification in the 2026 World Cup.
The match will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi at 16:00 local time (GMT+3), equating to 14:00 in Gabon and France, and 13:00 GMT. It will be broadcast live on New World TV’s NWSport 1, with Gabon TV also airing the game. Fans will also have the possibility of streaming the match for free on FIFA+ in select countries, bringing excitement and accessibility to supporters.
Kenya is coming into this match following a dramatic draw against Gambia, where they fought back from being down two goals to level the game at 3-3. This encounter, marking the debut of former South African star Benni McCarthy as coach, demonstrated the team’s resilience, coming from behind to secure the point. But the pressure remains high; Kenya hasn't won a home match in their last attempts, sharing points once against Burundi (1-1) and Ivory Coast (0-0).
On the other hand, the Gabonese squad, under coach Thierry Mouyouma, aims to capitalize on their recent momentum. The team’s form has been impressive, with back-to-back wins against Gambia and Seychelles prior to this encounter, scoring a total of 6 goals in those matches. The confidence is striking, especially with key players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returning to strengthen the attack.
The implications of this match extend beyond mere points. It represents a pivotal juncture in the race towards the World Cup. A win for Gabon in Nairobi on March 23 would solidify their standing and significantly enhance their qualification prospects. The team would then set its sights on upcoming matches scheduled for September.
With only a slim margin separating Gabon and the top of the group, every moment on the field will be crucial. Fans from both sides are eager to witness this highly anticipated battle, which could very well shape the future of their national teams' hopes in the global arena.
Moreover, the excitement surrounding the match is palpable, as evidenced by the sellout at Nyayo National Stadium, showcasing a strong support from the Kenyan fan base. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced that all tickets had been sold out, urging supporters to come and show their allegiance to the team, which they believe can make a decisive impact.
FKF expressed gratitude for the fan support saying, “All tickets for our FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Gabon are officially sold out! Your unwavering support means everything! Let’s paint Nyayo red, black, and green this Sunday.” This call to action underlines the growing connection between the fans and the team, especially as Kenya looks to change its fortunes on the qualification path.
As the match draws near, anticipation is set high. Kenya, seeking their first victory under McCarthy, aims to not only improve their standings but also to boost morale among supporters who have seen their team struggle for consistency. The players’ focus will be on transforming the energy of the fans into performance on the pitch, where every support will be pivotal.
For Gabon, the victory against Seychelles lays the groundwork for further success, and they are a determined side ready to take on the challenge the Harambee Stars present. With both teams aware of everything that's at stake, the clash in Nairobi promises to be an electrifying encounter.
