Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy says he is delighted by the recognition the team is receiving after their impressive run to the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The South African tactician noted that the mood in the country has shifted, with Kenyans openly showing their pride in the team’s achievements.
“You cannot walk even on the streets without people stopping and congratulating you,” McCarthy said, reflecting on the reception he and his players have experienced in Nairobi.
He added that beyond the results on the pitch, the biggest achievement has been the renewed passion for football across the country.
“What this team has brought to the country – you know, the passion – everywhere you go, it is a footballing country now,” explained McCarthy.
For McCarthy, the public recognition is proof that the players’ efforts are not going unnoticed.
“The recognition they are getting is, to me, the most important thing. It means their hard work and success is paying off, and that can only be a blessing to me and the technical bench,” he added.
Building foundation for future
Meanwhile, Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a huge setback on Wednesday night after Gabon thrashed Seychelles 4-0 in Saint Pierre to seize control of Group F.
The victory lifted Gabon to 18 points, the same maximum tally Harambee Stars can only reach if they win their remaining four matches.
Currently, Kenya sits on six points from as many games and now faces a must-win clash against The Gambia at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday. Anything less than three points would end their campaign with two rounds still to play.
Even a win may not be enough for Kenya, with their World Cup hopes now hinging on other results— starting with Burundi upsetting the Ivory Coast on the same day.
Despite the daunting arithmetic, head coach Benni McCarthy struck an optimistic tone in Thursday’s pre-match press conference. He praised the quality within his squad and emphasised the need for tactical adaptability as the Stars prepare to face The Gambia.
“As a coach and as a technical team, you have to be flexible in football. You can’t just think it’s one way or the highway,” said McCarthy.
He added that the current squad represents one of the strongest Kenya has assembled in recent years.
“Every game we play, we want to win because I believe the players are good enough to deliver.”
McCarthy acknowledged that Kenya’s late start in the qualifiers had placed them at a disadvantage.
Still, he urged the team to keep their focus on the bigger picture. “It is what it is. We want to make the most of the four remaining matches,” he said, noting his intention to integrate more local players to gain international exposure and build towards the next World Cup.
For Kenya, the task is clear: win against The Gambia and keep fighting, even if the dream of reaching the next World Cup in North America in 2026 is fading fast.
As McCarthy put it, Harambee Stars’ mission is now not just about results, but about building a foundation for the future.
