Kenya managed to salvage a point in a dramatic turn of events in Abidjan. The second half of the match was a whirlwind of action, with both teams scoring three goals apiece. Benni McCarthy's team was initially in a tough spot, trailing by two goals. However, they staged an impressive comeback. Michael Olunga found the back of the net in the 69th minute, and Mohammed Bajaber scored just six minutes later, erasing the two-goal deficit. But their joy was short-lived as they conceded a goal and fell behind once more. Nevertheless, in a last-ditch effort, William Wilson scored with the final kick of the game, rescuing a draw for Kenya.

As a result of that draw, the Harambee Stars currently sit in fourth place in Group F. They have accumulated six points from one victory, three draws, and one defeat. They are six points behind the group leaders, who are their opponents this weekend. Additionally, they are four points adrift of second-placed Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast still has a game in hand before their matchday five encounter with Burundi on Friday night.

McCarthy, who took over the reins for his first game against Gambia, remains hopeful about his team's prospects of qualifying. Despite the top teams having made the most of their early opportunities, he firmly believes that the group is still very much up for grabs.

Now that the qualifiers have entered their second half, the Harambee Stars face a crucial task. They must secure a win against Gabon in Nairobi. This will mark their first competitive home match in four years, adding an extra layer of significance to the encounter.

Nyayo National Stadium, which reopened to fans on March 16, will stage this encounter, with Kenya looking to harness the energy of the 12th man as they aim to keep their World Cup dream alive.

However, recent competitive form does not favour the hosts, who have now gone seven matches without a win, suffering three defeats and drawing each of their last four outings.

Meanwhile, Gabon continued their impressive World Cup qualification campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Seychelles, propelling them to the top of the standings pending Ivory Coast's result against Burundi.

That win saw the Panthers keep their first clean sheet of the qualifiers, taking their tally to 12 points from four wins and a single loss, which leaves them two points clear at the summit for now.

Thierry Mouyouma's men have been an exciting force in the campaign, scoring 10 goals while conceding five, hitting at least two in four of their five matches, with the only exception being their 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast.

Gabon now turn their focus to a Kenya side that has also netted 10 times but struggled defensively, conceding six, which could set the stage for another high-scoring affair, though the visitors must tighten up at the back to avoid being exposed.

Nevertheless, the Panthers will be confident heading into this encounter, drawing inspiration from their 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture — their only previous meeting — as they look to strengthen their World Cup bid.

Kenya fielded an experienced lineup against Gambia, but after conceding three, McCarthy may look to freshen up his defence.

Brian Mandela and Daniel Anyembe struggled at the heart of the backline, putting their places under threat, with Johnstone Omurwa a strong candidate to start after being left on the bench last time out.

Changes could also be made in midfield, with Bajaber and Wilson pushing for starts after making an impact off the bench on Thursday, while captain Olunga could lead the line once more.

Gabon finished their win over Seychelles without any injury concerns, which could see Mouyouma retain a similar lineup for this clash.

A 4-3-3 formation was deployed in that game, with Jim Allevinah and Denis Bouanga — both on target with one and two goals, respectively — flanking Shavy Babicka in a three-man attack.

Meanwhile, Loyce Mbaba should continue in goal, protected by a back four of Anthony Oyono, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Urie-Michel Mboula and Johann Obiang, with Guelor Kanga, Clech Loufilou and Medwin Biteghe controlling the midfield.

Kenya possible starting lineup:

Otieno; Onyango, Omurwa, Anyembe, Ouma; Akumu, Abuya; Bajaber, Wilson, Avire; Olunga

Gabon possible starting lineup:

Mbaba; Oyono, Manga, Mboula, Obiang; Kanga, Loufilou, Biteghe; Allevinah, Babicka, Bouanga