Kenya crushes Seychelles in World Cup Qualifier, but exit looms large
Harambee Stars recorded their second win in the World Cup Qualifiers match against Seychelles with a five-nil brace.
The commanding performance was delivered with goals from Ryan Ogam, Collins Sichenje, and a brace from Captain Michael Olunga in a convincing win over the Island dwellers.
The result offered relief for fans and players, but it did little to change the bigger picture that Kenya is out of contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ogam broke the deadlock with a line finish on the 7th minute as Stars dominated possession and doubled their advantage in the 35th minute when Collins Shichenje powered home from an Abuya assist.
Barely three minutes later, Ogam struck again— his fourth goal in just six appearances, making it 3-0.
A minute before halftime, Olunga converted from the spot after Ogam was bundled down in the box, giving the Stars a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.
The goal brought Olunga level with Dennis Oliech on 34 goals, making him Kenya’s joint second all-time top scorer.
During the second half, McCarthy introduced Ben-Stanley Omondi, Boniface Muchiri, and Marvin Nabwire, replacing Ochieng, Lenkupae, and Abuya.
The changes paid off in the 68th minute, when Olunga rose highest to head home Onyango’s precise cross, sealing the 5-0 rout.
The victory, coming after a 1–3 loss to The Gambia, restored confidence and showcased emerging talent, with Ogam’s growing reliability easing pressure on Olunga.
Kenya now sits fourth in Group F on nine points, while the Ivory Coast leads the standings and is virtually assured of qualification.
Kenya’s final qualifiers against Burundi and the Ivory Coast in October will not influence World Cup standings, but they will test the team’s resilience and progress as the broader issues remain irregular preparations, administrative hurdles, and weak player development.
Unless these structural challenges are addressed, emphatic wins will continue to be isolated highlights rather than stepping stones to sustained success.
