Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has offered a candid reflection following Kenya’s 3-0 loss to Ivory Coast in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, acknowledging that his team was simply outclassed by a more experienced and talented opponent.
The defeat in Abidjan served as a harsh footballing lesson for Kenya, who struggled to cope with the tempo and technical ability of the Ivorians. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo and former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe were instrumental, constantly stretching the Kenyan defence and creating numerous scoring opportunities for the hosts.
McCarthy admitted that while his players went into the match determined to compete, the quality gap was evident from the onset. “The objective was to go out there and try to complicate the game for Ivory Coast because we are professionals and wanted to fight for pride,” said McCarthy. “However, when you play against a team full of internationals performing at the highest level in Europe, it becomes very difficult.”
The Harambee Stars boss was quick to credit the Ivorians for their superiority, noting that his relatively young squad is still in the process of development. “Kenya is a young team still learning and growing. This was a valuable experience for the boys, and we have to take the positives and continue building,” he added.
Despite the disappointment, McCarthy maintained a sense of optimism for the future. He believes the lessons from such matches are vital for Kenya’s long-term progression. “It was a fantastic learning experience. In two years’ time, we will be ready and at a better level to compete with teams like Ivory Coast,” he said confidently.
The South African tactician’s focus now shifts to preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, where he aims to assemble a more competitive and tactically mature team. The technical bench is expected to analyze the World Cup qualifying campaign, identify key areas of improvement—particularly in defensive organization and ball retention—and fine-tune a squad capable of challenging Africa’s elite.
While Kenya’s World Cup dream has ended, McCarthy’s vision is clear: to transform Harambee Stars into a side that not only qualifies for major tournaments but also competes credibly against the continent’s powerhouses. The Ivory Coast defeat, though painful, could prove to be the stepping stone toward that ambitious journey.
