In a spectacular turnaround, Kenya’s Harambee Stars showcased a dominant performance on Monday night, securing a resounding 5-0 victory against Seychelles in the 2026 World Cup Group F qualifier at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The win was a crucial response to their initial setback, a 2-1 defeat to Gabon, placing them at the bottom of the challenging group that includes Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.

Led by coach Engin Firat, Harambee Stars entered the match determined to revive their World Cup quest. Captain Michael Olunga led the charge with an impressive brace, opening the scoresheet in the fourth minute and doubling the lead just two minutes later. The team demonstrated cohesion and skill as Masoud Juma added a third goal before halftime.

Rooney Onyango, making his debut, contributed to the commanding victory by scoring the fourth goal in the 63rd minute. Another debutant, Benson Omalla of Gor Mahia, sealed the emphatic win with the fifth and final goal in the 74th minute. The comprehensive 5-0 triumph not only showcased Harambee Stars’ attacking prowess but also earned them their maiden maximum points in the World Cup qualifiers.

This victory propels Kenya to the third position in the group with three points, setting a positive tone for the upcoming matches. Looking ahead, Harambee Stars will face Burundi and Cote d’Ivoire in Nairobi in June 2024, aiming to build on the momentum gained from this convincing win and further strengthen their position in the World Cup qualification campaign.