Harambee Stars staged an incredible comeback to draw 3-3 with Gambia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Trailing 2-0, the Stars fought back to level the score at 2-2, but Gambia regained the lead in the 84th minute with a second goal from Musa Barrow, making it 3-2.
However, Australia-born Lenkupae, who came on as a second-half substitute, had the final say, scoring from close range to secure a draw in Benni McCarthy’s first match as head coach of the Harambee Stars.
Barrow, who had seen his first-half penalty saved by goalkeeper Ian Otieno, opened the scoring in the 55th minute, and Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh doubled Gambia’s lead shortly after.
But the Stars fought back, with captain Michael Olunga pulling one back from the penalty spot, and debutant Mohamed Bejaber scoring a stunning equalizer.
Barrow then capitalized on a defensive lapse to tap in Gambia’s second, but the resilient Harambee Stars were determined not to give up and fought hard for a share of the spoils.
The Stars started the match brightly, with Olunga heading wide, Richard Odada sending a volley just inches over, and John Avire’s free-kick hitting the wall.
Harambee Stars players celebrating.
Gambia had a chance to take the lead seven minutes before the break when they were awarded a penalty after Otieno was judged to have brought down Alieu Fadera in the box. But Otieno made a brilliant save, denying Barrow from the spot.
In the second half, Barrow made no mistake, breaking the deadlock with a brilliant strike in the 55th minute.
A sharp turn left Odada behind, and Barrow curled the ball into the top left corner to give Gambia the lead.
