Beni McCarthy trains his boys aheadof clash with Seychelles, September 8, 2025. /HARAMBEECharismatic Afro-Pop star Iyanii will take centre stage at today’s World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Seychelles at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani.
The Kifo cha Mende hitmaker, currently riding high with Donjo Maber, his collaboration with rapper Dufla Diligon, will headline the pre-match entertainment.
Gates opened at 11am, with kick-off set for 4pm.
Three fixtures are lined up on the qualifiers’ card today. Later at Nyayo Stadium, Gambia—who stunned Kenya 3-1 last week—will square off with Burundi at 10pm.
Meanwhile in Gabon, the Panthers host Group F leaders Ivory Coast at Stade de Franceville in a clash that could decide direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
Just a single point separates the two teams, with the Elephants holding a slender lead.
Emerse Faé’s side needs only a draw to stay top, while Gabon must win to leapfrog them.
History favours Côte d’Ivoire, who have won four of the past six meetings, with one draw and just one defeat—the 1-2 loss in September 2017 during the 2018 qualifiers.
Back home, the Harambee Stars are under pressure to bounce back after their weekend setback against Gambia.
Despite a late strike by Ryan Ogam, Beni McCarthy’s charges failed to overturn an early three-goal deficit.
Kenya have managed just two wins in their last five matches, a troubling inconsistency for a side still in the race.
It remains to be seen what trick McCarthy has up his sleeves this time around.
He came under heavy criticism from a section of Kenyans after the Gambia defeat for his choice of players.
Some fans felt he should have stuck with the impressive CHAN lineup that registered unprecedented results, an opinion he dismissed, insisting World Cup qualifiers are a whole new ball game that require tact and experience.
Against a struggling Seychelles outfit, however, this is the perfect chance to regain momentum.
Seychelles are winless in seven matches, have conceded 18 goals in their last five, and remain rooted to the bottom of the group with zero points.
Kenya will be without dependable left-back Abud Omar, suspended after accumulating yellow cards.
Captain Michael Olunga, who has scored five times in as many games, will be relied on to sharpen the attack.
The head-to-head record strongly favours Kenya, with six wins and one draw from seven meetings.
Still, Seychelles—underdogs in every sense—will aim to tighten their defence and avoid another heavy defeat.
As things stand after matchday seven, Ivory Coast lead Group F with 19 points, followed by Gabon (18), Burundi (10), Gambia (7), Kenya (6), and Seychelles (0).
For the Harambee Stars, the mission is simple: win convincingly and keep their qualification hopes alive.
