Benni McCarthy, thrilled to coach the Kenya national team, prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Kenya currently sits fourth in Group F, hoping to recover from consecutive draws. The match against Gambia, who recently lost, is expected to showcase an attacking style of play as McCarthy leads his talented squad.
Benni McCarthy, coach of the Kenya national team, expressed his enthusiasm as he prepares to lead the Harambee Stars in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, starting with a match against Gambia on March 20 at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium, scheduled for 9:00 PM CAT.
The Harambee Stars have faced challenges at the start of their qualification campaign, having recorded two consecutive draws against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Currently, Kenya holds the fourth position in Group F, five points behind leaders Ivory Coast after four matches.
This will mark McCarthy’s inaugural experience in the national coaching role, and he conveyed a readiness to embrace the upcoming challenge. “I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers. I’m eager to work with the talented squad I’ve selected for the campaign,” McCarthy stated. He acknowledged that hard work lies ahead but expressed confidence in his team’s readiness.
Gambia also seeks to recover from a recent defeat, having lost 3-2 to Gabon in their last qualifier and currently sits fifth in the group, trailing Kenya by two points. Gambia’s coach, Johnathan McKinstry, commented on McCarthy’s recent appointment, predicting that Kenya will adopt a more offensive style.
“It’s a new era in Kenyan Football,” McKinstry remarked. He emphasized McCarthy’s history of teams that prioritize attacking and pressing, citing his impressive past as a player and coach in South Africa.
In summary, Benni McCarthy’s first foray as coach of the Kenya national team has generated considerable excitement as they approach their opening World Cup qualifier against Gambia. Despite past struggles, McCarthy’s commitment to embracing challenges and his team’s potential will be pivotal. As Gambia seeks to recover, the upcoming match promises an engaging encounter indicative of a new direction for Kenyan football.
Original Source: africanfootball.com
