Kenya’s Harambee Stars have arrived in Ivory Coast amid a backdrop of political unrest ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the host nation’s Elephants. The team touched down in Abidjan over the weekend to prepare for the Group F decider at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium, with tension running high off the pitch as the West African country approaches a tense presidential election scheduled for 25 October.
The lead-up to the vote has seen widespread anti-government protests, sparked by the disqualification of key opposition candidates. Opposition groups, united under the Common Front coalition, have called for daily demonstrations, leading to violent clashes with security forces. Over the weekend, authorities responded with tear gas and mass arrests—at least 237 people were detained. Despite the crackdown, opposition leaders remain determined to press for dialogue, raising concerns about potential disruptions around match day.
On the football front, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy remains focused on the task at hand. In a recent interview, McCarthy emphasized the team’s ambition to finish their qualification campaign on a winning note, saying, “We know what is at stake. We are going into the lion’s den because for Côte d’Ivoire, a win secures qualification, but we are not here to do favours for anyone. We are going there to win and take three points.” He also dismissed Ivory Coast’s home advantage and reputation, noting that success on the field is earned through performance: “Football is not played on paper; it is played on the pitch. If we lose, it has to be to a team that truly earns it.”
Currently, Ivory Coast leads Group F with 23 points, just one ahead of Gabon, who are set to face Burundi on the same day. Harambee Stars are in third place with 12 points, following a campaign that has seen three wins, three draws, and three defeats—including notable victories over Seychelles and Burundi and a goalless draw with the Ivorians in the first-leg encounter.
As the team settles into Abidjan, tight security measures are expected to ensure the qualifier proceeds without incident despite the volatile political climate. The Harambee Stars’ approach will likely rely on tactical discipline aimed at frustrating the hosts while seizing any opportunity to earn a result in what promises to be a fiercely contested match.
This encounter marks a pivotal moment for both sides—Ivory Coast aims for direct qualification to the World Cup, while Kenya seeks to defend their standing and finish their campaign on a high amidst challenging circumstances.
