Kenya’s Harambee Stars may have suffered a 3-1 defeat against Gambia in a World Cup qualifier at Kasarani Stadium, but head coach Benni McCarthy still retains strong backing as the right man to take the team forward.
The match began brightly for Kenya, who created danger through William Lenkupae and Rooney Onyango in the opening minutes. However, Gambia proved clinical in punishing errors. Sheriff Shinyan opened the scoring with a header from a Yankuba Minteh corner before Minteh himself doubled the lead on a swift counterattack. By halftime, the visitors were 3-0 up after Musa Barrow capitalized on a defensive slip.
McCarthy made sweeping changes after the break, introducing Alpha Onyango and Manzur Okwaro for energy, followed later by Ryan Ogam. The substitutes sparked life into the team, with Duke Abuya and Ogam both finding the net, though their goals were disallowed for offside. Persistence eventually paid off in the 81st minute when Ogam pulled one back, but it was only a consolation as Gambia left Nairobi with all three points.
Despite the defeat, there is growing belief that McCarthy is the right figure to guide Kenya. His track record and tactical awareness have been highlighted as major assets. Observers point out that he has been in charge for less than a year, amounting to only a handful of training sessions in real terms. Patience, they argue, is essential if Kenya is to build a strong and competitive national side.
McCarthy himself admitted that the gulf in quality played a role in the loss, stressing the importance of blending home-based players with those playing in Europe. He insisted that relying solely on CHAN players might have led to an even heavier defeat. According to him, the balance between experience and youth is crucial for steady growth.
While acknowledging costly mistakes, McCarthy praised his players for their resilience and commitment. Even when trailing 3-0, they continued to fight, showing character that he believes can form the foundation of future success.
The message remains clear: there are no shortcuts at this level. Kenya must minimize errors, learn quickly, and give McCarthy the time to shape the Harambee Stars into a side capable of competing with Africa’s best.
