Benni McCarthy is an optimistic coach. And that’s why he still believes his Kenyan national team can still qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in north America.
McCarthy started his tenure in Kenya with a 3-3 draw away to Gambia on Thursday night as Harambee Stars came-behind from 2-0.
It was a spirited turnaround from McCarthy that saw them salvage a point to remain fourth in Group F with six points after playing five games in the group so far.
Kenya national men’s football team 'Harambee Stars' arrived back in the country on Friday following their hard-fought 3-3 draw against Gambia in the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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The team led by head coach Benni McCarthy landed in Nairobi to a warm reception as they now… pic.twitter.com/B07ITnae0H
And with 15 points still up for grabs to determine the team that’ll finish top of the group and qualify for the finals, McCarthy says anything is still possible.
“It’d would be foolish to give up!” he said. “I think the opposing coach will tell you his aspirations are also that teams will drop points somewhere down the line.
“Gambia can beat Ivory Coast and Gabon, as much as Kenya can do the same. So, it’s still very open. Yes, the team at the top has taken the opportunities, but there’s still five games to go.”
McCarthy will have to put his money where his mouth is – ensure that they collect full points in their next clashes, starting at home against Gabon tomorrow night to keep their qualification aspirations alive.
The African football legend, who was appointed earlier this month by the Football Kenya Federation, knows that Gabon will be tough customers and visitors.
Not only are Gabon in the top two, but McCarthy will mostly rely on his makeshift players as his regulars, who are European-based, had one training session with the team after arriving on Tuesday.
“I think, of course, energy wise and performance wise, those have taken a lot out of the players today. But they’ve given everything that they’ve got,” he said.
“So we were exceptionally proud and happy with them coming from behind twice to gain a point. So, for Sunday’s game, it’s about trying to recover as best as we possibly can.
“We need to trust whatever players that we have available because I think the first half team was a strong team with players that play in the top leagues in Europe.
“So, I don’t think most of them will be available, fit and ready as you’d want to for Sunday, so I am going to rely mostly on the bench, and the players who came in during the second half, and added energy.
McCarthy drew inspiration from their draw with Gambia so much so that there’s something he can work with in the team after they showed a fighting spirit.
“I think a draw doesn’t help either us or Gambia, but I think I would take it since it is my first game in charge after being appointed the coach of the Kenyan national team,” he said.
“So I am happy with the point, and what I have seen. But there’s lots to progress and improve on. But the positivity I have seen gives me hope … we can go one step better than today.”
McCarthy is also realistic that he’s urged Harambee Stars’ fans not to expect him to perform miracles especially when he only had one training session with the team before the Gambia game.
“We had one training session together as a team, so do you expect me to play like Barcelona?” McCarthy asked.
“So of course, familiarity is important as the team must get accustomed to each other. So, of course, it’s also a different way and a different style.”
McCarthy can only do so much in helping the team qualify for the World Cup in north America, but his primary role is to awaken a sleeping giant – and make it ready for the 2027 Afcon finals.
Kenya will miss out on this year’s Afcon edition in Morocco, but will co-host the next edition alongside Tanzania and Uganda where they’ll have to be at their best.