Seychelles and Kenya aim to rebound from their opening-day defeats as they face off in Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Monday evening.
Vivan Bothe’s team enters the game unbeaten in their previous six encounters with the Harambee Stars, looking to extend this dominant run at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.
Match Preview:
Seychelles suffered their heaviest-ever competitive defeat with a 9-0 loss to Ivory Coast in the Group F opener. Karim Konate’s two goals and two assists contributed to the one-sided affair. Seychelles seeks recovery after losing four consecutive matches, including three defeats in the 2023 COSAFA Cup.
Kenya’s dream start was denied with a 2-1 defeat against Gabon, conceding two second-half goals. Despite this being their first competitive game since November 2021, Kenya has participated in six friendly fixtures since 2023, with mixed results.
Kenya, ranked 110th in the FIFA World Rankings, faces Seychelles, winless in their last six encounters since November 1992.
Seychelles World Cup Qualifying – Africa form:
L
Seychelles form (all competitions):
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W
L
L
L
L
Kenya World Cup Qualifying – Africa form:
L
Kenya form (all competitions):
W
L
W
L
D
L
Team News:
Bertrand Esparon’s injury leaves him doubtful for Seychelles. If he’s unavailable, Nick Labiche may join the back four. Gervais Waye-Hive, Ryan Henriette, and Brandon Labrosse are expected to form the front three.
Masoud Juma Choka, scoring in back-to-back games, leads Kenya’s attack alongside skipper Michael Olunga. Dennis Ng’ang’a and Johnstone Omurwa are likely to pair up in defense.
Seychelles possible starting lineup:
Simeon; Nourice, Labiche, Ladouce, Panayi; Raheriniaina, Payet, Sopha; Waye-Hive, Henriette, Labrosse
Kenya possible starting lineup:
Matasi; Omar, Ng’ang’a, Omurwa, Onyango; Muguna, Akumu, Odada, Nondi; Choka, Olunga
