Harambee Stars’ head coach Benni McCarthy plans to make significant changes to the starting XI for the World Cup qualifier against Gabon. Following a 3-3 draw with Gambia, he aims to utilize bench players and prioritize recovery. McCarthy is optimistic about the team’s potential for improvement and seeks to enhance their standing in Group F, where they currently sit fourth with six points.
Benni McCarthy, head coach of the Harambee Stars, announced a revamp of the starting XI for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gabon, taking place on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium. He plans to give opportunities to several players who participated off the bench during the recent 3-3 draw with Gambia in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
McCarthy expressed concerns over player fitness, noting, “I don’t think many of them will be fit and ready…available in the way that you would want them for Sunday. I am going to have to rely a lot on the bench…those that didn’t start the game but came in midway and those that didn’t get an opportunity to play today.”
The coach’s primary focus from Friday through Sunday will be on player recovery. He emphasized, “For Sunday’s game, it is about recovering as best possible…just having to trust wherever players available that you put on Sunday because I believe the first half team that was put out was, for me, a very strong team.”
The Harambee Stars returned to Kenya on Friday after a thrilling match against the Scorpions. The encounter featured notable moments, including a first-half penalty save by Ian Otieno and a late equalizer from debutant William Lenkupae. The match highlighted the Stars’ tenacity as they fought back from being down twice.
Reflecting on his debut as a coach, McCarthy expressed satisfaction with the performance, stating, “Overall, I think the draw doesn’t help either us or Gambia but considering it’s my first match in charge, I would take it. I am happy with the point…happy with what I’ve seen and there’s lot to progress…lots to improve.”
Currently, the Stars are positioned fourth in Group F with six points, trailing behind Burundi by one point, highlighting the competitive nature of their campaign.
In anticipation of the World Cup qualifier against Gabon, Coach Benni McCarthy is set to alter the starting lineup, focusing on utilizing bench players for Sunday’s match. With a recent draw against Gambia showcasing the team’s resilience, McCarthy expresses optimism for improvement. As the Stars seek to climb the Group F standings, recovery and strategic training will be pivotal to their success.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
