Benni McCarthy debuted as the head coach of Kenya with a 3-3 draw against Gambia in a World Cup qualifying match. The game saw Gambia initially leading, but Kenya secured the equalizer in added time. Gambia leads Group F, followed by Gabon and Ivory Coast, while other groups also showcased thrilling matches with notable upsets and coaching changes. Only the group winners will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
On Thursday, Benni McCarthy made an impressive debut as the head coach of Kenya, leading the team to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia during a World Cup qualifying match. The first half remained uneventful, with Gambia missing a penalty taken by Musa Barrow. However, the match intensified subsequently, culminating in a last-minute equalizer from William Wilson, who scored after a defensive lapse from Gambia.
Gambia initially took a commanding lead with two goals, later extending it to one, before Kenya’s Wilson converted a chance following a long throw-in. Barrow redeemed himself by scoring twice, while Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh added another goal for Gambia. For Kenya, Michael Olunga converted a penalty and substitute Mohammed Bajaber found the net as well. McCarthy expressed optimism about Kenya’s chances, stating they could “surprise a lot of people by qualifying for the World Cup.”
Gabon currently leads Group F with 12 points after a 3-0 victory over Seychelles, while the reigning champions, Ivory Coast, follow with 10 points ahead of their match against Burundi. Kenya sits with six points, Gambia with four, and Seychelles yet to secure any points. Only the nine group winners from Africa will earn spots in the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In the fiercely contested Group C, Benin moved to the top this week despite relinquishing a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Zimbabwe. Benin’s goals came from veteran Steve Mounie and Dokou Dodo, with Zimbabwe’s Knowledge Musona equalizing late in the match. This group has witnessed unexpected outcomes, such as Rwanda’s victory over South Africa, while Nigeria’s underwhelming performance saw them held by Lesotho.
Sierra Leone also experienced a coaching success as Mohamed Kallon won his inaugural match in charge, leading his team to a 3-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau, which propelled them to second place in Group A. Mustapha Bundu opened the scoring for Sierra Leone. Meanwhile, Mozambique climbed to the top of Group G, following a 3-1 win against Uganda, driven by Pedro ‘Pepo’ Santos, who scored two goals, one of which was assisted by a blunder from the Ugandan goalkeeper.
In conclusion, Benni McCarthy’s debut as Kenya’s head coach marks a significant moment as the team managed a dramatic draw against Gambia, showcasing their potential in World Cup qualifying matches. As the competition intensifies across various groups, unexpected outcomes and leadership changes highlight the unpredictability of African football, setting the stage for thrilling encounters ahead. With only the best teams securing World Cup spots, every match remains crucial for the participating nations.
Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com
