Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is under intense scrutiny following the 8–0 defeat to Senegal in Turkey—one of the heaviest losses in Kenya’s football history. The embarrassing result has sparked nationwide debate over whether the South African tactician has been a success or failure since taking over in March 2025.
McCarthy arrived with promises of front-foot football and a commitment to helping Kenya push for the 2026 World Cup. His early matches offered glimpses of this ambition. A spirited 3-3 draw against The Gambia showed attacking intent, while narrow losses such as the 2-1 defeat to Gabon exposed defensive flaws but also highlighted potential.
Friendly matches against Chad in June produced mixed results—a goalless draw and a 2-1 win—as McCarthy attempted to rebuild the squad. Kenya’s impressive run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) briefly raised hopes. A disciplined approach saw the team top their group after beating DR Congo and securing respectable results against Angola, Morocco, and Zambia. Their journey ended in the quarter-final on penalties to Madagascar, but doubts lingered over McCarthy’s team selection and in-game decisions.
However, tougher challenges awaited in the World Cup qualifiers. A 3-1 home loss to Gambia and a 3-0 defeat to Ivory Coast exposed tactical weaknesses, even though Kenya managed morale-boosting wins against Seychelles and Burundi. The recent friendly window offered a chance for stability, but the 8–0 humiliation against Senegal has now overshadowed all progress.
In total, McCarthy has managed 15 matches, winning six, drawing three, and losing six. In competitive fixtures, he has secured five wins, two draws, and four losses—a fairly balanced record considering the quality of opposition. Many of Kenya’s defeats came against stronger, well-established African football powers.
While it may be too early to conclusively label his tenure a failure, conceding heavily in multiple matches raises legitimate concerns. McCarthy must find defensive stability, tactical clarity, and consistent player selection if he is to survive mounting pressure.
The next international window in March 2026 could be decisive. Continued heavy defeats will place his job in jeopardy, but a strong response may restore confidence and get the Harambee Stars back on track as the journey toward AFCON 2027 continues.
