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Kenya’s Harambee Stars will seek a crucial win when they host Seychelles in a World Cup qualifier at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday. The Stars need to bounce back after a loss to Gambia, while Seychelles come in without a win this campaign.
Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-09 16:00 EAT. The Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars, takes on Seychelles in a second-round 2026 World Cup qualifier at Kasarani Stadium. After a disappointing 3–1 loss to Gambia, Kenya seeks a morale-boosting win against the bottom-placed Seychelles.
What happened now: Harambee Stars aim to bounce back following their defeat by Gambia. Seychelles enters the match without a point. Kenya holds a dominant head-to-head advantage.
Why it matters: A convincing win could restore confidence and polish Kenya’s FIFA ranking despite earlier elimination from qualification.
Status: Matchday fixture scheduled for today, 9 September 2025.
Kenya’s World Cup campaign includes only one win (against Seychelles in 2023), multiple losses (including two to Gambia and Gabon), and draws against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
Seychelles remain winless, with seven straight defeats and heavy losses, including a 4–0 reverse to Gabon.
Coach Benni McCarthy: Urged caution against complacency despite Seychelles’ poor form:
“We don’t take for granted who we play against… depending on what Seychelles stands up to, that will determine the result, but for us nothing but a win will do.”
Injury/Availability: Aboud Omar is suspended, and Alphonce Omija is absent due to a transfer move. The rest of the squad is available.
|
Stat |
Info |
|---|---|
|
Head-to-Head |
Kenya: 6 wins, 1 draw in 7 encounters |
|
Recent Form |
Kenya lost 3–1 to Gambia; Seychelles lost 4–0 to Gabon |
|
Rankings |
Kenya ranked ~109th; Seychelles ~203rd |
|
Stakes |
Pride, FIFA ranking, morale |
|
|
Performance pressure: Poor showing could spark criticism of the coaching setup and team discipline.
Motivation factor: Seychelles could be more resilient than rankings suggest if Kenya underestimates them.
Which starting lineup McCarthy will field.
Tactical adjustments following the Gambia defeat.
How Seychelles will respond to previous heavy losses.
20 Nov 2023: Kenya beat Seychelles 5-0 in a previous qualifier.
5 Sept 2025: Kenya lost 3-1 to Gambia at Kasarani.
9 Sept 2025: Today’s match at Kasarani Stadium.
Key: Michael Olunga’s presence upfront—will he lead the scoring?
Defensive setup: Can Kenya maintain a clean sheet against a patched-up Seychelles side?
Discipline: Will McCarthy’s warning translate into a focused performance?
Editor’s note: A strong performance today could be a foundation for rebuilding public support and squad confidence post-World Cup exit.
Corrections: None.
