In 2001 Harambee Stars faced Gabon in an unforgettable match in Libreville, sparking anticipation for their upcoming showdown after 22 years.
Kenya national football team Harambee Stars is all set to embark on their journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with their opening match against Gabon on Thursday.
As the anticipation builds for this thrilling encounter, fans and football enthusiasts alike are taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit the unforgettable clashes between these two teams over two decades ago.
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The last time Harambee Stars and Gabon crossed paths was in the year 2001, during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
In the return leg of the qualifiers, played on March 24, 2001, at Stade d'Angondjé, Libreville, Gabon managed to secure a 1-1 draw.
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The game saw Gabon take the lead through a penalty in the 67th minute but Sammy Wanyonyi emerged as the hero by netting an equalizer in the 85th minute salvaging a crucial point for Harambee Stars.
But the real drama unfolded in the first leg, held at the iconic Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on January 13, 2001.
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In front of their passionate home crowd, Harambee Stars displayed remarkable resilience against the Central African giants. The Panthers struck first with Etienne Bito'o finding the net in the 13th minute.
However, Bonventure Maruti with nerves of steel swiftly equalized for Harambee Stars in the 18th minute.
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The defining moment of that encounter came in the 72nd minute when Robert Mambo scored the winning goal and Harambee Stars under the late German coach Reinhard Fabisch emerged victorious with a final score of 2-1 much to the delight of their fans.
Reflecting on those historic matches one cannot help but remember the stalwart players who represented Kenya with honor and pride.
Names like Mike Mururi, Musa Otieno, Eric Ongao, Josiah Ougo, and John Lichuku are still etched in the memories of football enthusiasts across the nation.
Fast forward to the present, and the footballing landscape has evolved dramatically. The Stade De la Renovation in Franceville, where the upcoming clash will take place, has transformed from a stadium that could accommodate only 10,000 fans to a colossal venue with a capacity of 40,000.
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The stadium 's upgrade was showcased during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, marking Gabon's growing influence in African football.
As the clock ticks down to Thursday's match, Harambee Stars' captain, Michael Olunga, is leading the charge with unwavering determination.
The Al Duhail striker emphasizes the significance of replicating the success of the old generation by conquering Gabon once again.
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Olunga believes that the team's thorough preparation, coupled with the confidence gained from previous friendly matches, has put them in a prime position for a successful campaign.
“We have prepared well ahead of the qualifiers, and I feel we are better placed to have a successful campaign," he asserts. "The boys are in good shape, and the friendly matches that we have played previously will give us confidence that we can conquer all before us.”
The upcoming clash against Gabon serves as an opportunity for Harambee Stars to draw inspiration from their past triumphs and create a new chapter in their footballing history.
It is a chance to reignite the spirit that fueled their victories in 2001 and to make their mark on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
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Looking ahead, the return leg between these two formidable teams is scheduled for March 24, 2025, at a venue yet to be decided. Interestingly, this will be a role reversal from the 2001 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when Kenya hosted the first leg in Nairobi.
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