Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy expressed disappointment after his side’s 3-1 defeat to Gambia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, describing the defensive lapses as “schoolboy errors” that proved costly.
Kenya’s nightmare began early as Gambia capitalized on mistakes to race into a 3-0 lead within 38 minutes. Sheriff Sinyan opened the scoring with a free header from a corner after poor marking. Minutes later, a misplaced pass from Kenya’s backline was intercepted, allowing Yankuba Minteh to double the advantage. A third blow followed when a loose ball in midfield gifted possession to the visitors, who swiftly countered through Musa Barrow to extend the lead.
McCarthy admitted the errors were unacceptable at this level, especially against a Gambia team full of Europe-based professionals. “At this stage, when you make those kinds of mistakes, you get punished. You can’t allow top-level players such space and time,” he noted.
Despite the heavy setback, McCarthy found positives in the team’s reaction after the break. He praised the energy brought by substitutes Alpha Onyango and Manzur Okwaro, who injected more intensity into Kenya’s play. Their introduction, coupled with renewed determination, saw Harambee Stars push forward with greater urgency. The effort was eventually rewarded when Ryan Ogam pulled one back late in the game, though it remained only a consolation.
The coach highlighted the importance of showing fight and commitment when wearing the national jersey. “In the first half, we lacked a bit of passion, but in the second half we showed energy and belief. That’s what the supporters want to see,” he said.
McCarthy insists the defeat should serve as a valuable learning experience for his squad. With most Gambian players gaining exposure in top European leagues, he stressed the need for Kenya to raise their standards if they are to compete at that level.
Harambee Stars will now turn their attention to their next qualifier against Seychelles in Nairobi. McCarthy is hopeful his players can cut out the mistakes, build on the improved second-half performance, and bounce back strongly as they continue their World Cup journey.
