Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has admitted that his decision to start midfielder Richard Odada in the World Cup qualifier against The Gambia was a gamble that ultimately did not pay off. Kenya lost the match 3-1, conceding all three goals before halftime.
The game started on the wrong footing for Harambee Stars as Sheriff Sinyan opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh doubled The Gambia’s lead in the 26th minute before Musa Barrow struck the third in the 38th, leaving the Stars chasing shadows.
McCarthy explained that he placed trust in Odada based on his past performances and the quality he had shown at different stages of his career. The midfielder had recently been released from Dundee United after a preseason stint, having previously spent time on loan in Serbia. Despite his limited playing time in Scotland only three league starts in 13 appearances McCarthy felt Odada’s physicality and experience could provide the edge needed in the high-stakes qualifier.
“I thought Richard would give us that powerhouse we desperately needed to compete,” McCarthy admitted after the defeat. He added that he had followed the player’s career closely and was convinced he could deliver in such a crucial fixture. However, costly errors in the first half proved otherwise, leading to Odada being substituted at the break for Manzur Okwaro, with Alpha Onyango also coming in to try and steady the midfield.
McCarthy highlighted the sharp contrast between the two teams, pointing out that The Gambia fielded a squad with almost all its players based in Europe, while Harambee Stars’ squad was more evenly split between local and overseas players. The gap in exposure and intensity was evident in the opening half.
Despite the disappointment, McCarthy stressed that the experience offered valuable lessons for his side. With Kenya set to face Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, the coach is determined to apply those lessons and put together a more balanced squad that can secure much-needed points.
For Odada, now a free agent after his Dundee United exit, the coming months will be crucial in rebuilding his career. For Harambee Stars, the challenge remains how to blend promising local talent with the right mix of experienced professionals to compete effectively on the global stage.
