Benni McCarthy began his tenure as head coach of Kenya with a 3-3 draw away to Gambia in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying action on Thursday night.
South African-based duo Ian Otieno and Brian Onyango were named in McCarthy's first starting line-up, while Polokwane City's Brian Bwire was named on the bench.
The Harambee Stars came into the clash knowing only a victory would suffice in their pursuit of a top-two finish in Group F as they sat nine points behind leaders Gabon.
However, the Kenyans did not get off to the start they wanted after conceding the game's opening goal in the 55th minute thanks to a strike from Musa Barrow.
Gambia would go on to get the next goal as Yankuba Minteh made it three goals in four World Cup qualifiers just after the hour mark. The fighhtback, however, started for the Kenyans on 69 minutes after being awarded a penalty, which Michael Olunga converted.
Six minutes later, the Harambee Stars were back on level terms as substitute Mohammed Bajaber managed to fire home on his first appearance in the World Cup qualifiers.
Gambia restored their lead in the 84th minute as Barrow bagged his second goal of the contest in the 86th minute, but Kenya had the final say after -- netted in the sixth minute of time added on.