Benni McCarthy, coach of the Kenya national team, is excited for his debut in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia. The Harambee Stars currently sit fourth in Group F after two draws. McCarthy is committed to embracing the challenges ahead with a talented squad, while Gambia seeks to recover from a recent loss.
Benni McCarthy, the head coach of the Kenya national team, expressed his enthusiasm for leading the Harambee Stars in their imminent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, starting with a match against Gambia at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium on March 20. The match is scheduled for 9:00 PM CAT, marking a significant moment in McCarthy’s managerial career as he steps into this pivotal role.
The Harambee Stars have faced challenges in their qualification journey, registering two consecutive draws against Burundi and Ivory Coast, currently placing them fourth in Group F. With only four matches played, they trail the group leaders, Ivory Coast, by five points, intensifying the significance of their upcoming match against Gambia.
McCarthy expressed his eagerness to tackle these challenges head-on. “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,” he stated. He emphasized the necessity of hard work and collective dedication as they approach their next match.
Gambia, too, is motivated to recover from their recent setback—a 3-2 defeat to Gabon. The Scorpions find themselves fifth in the group, lagging two points behind Kenya. Gambia’s coach, Johnathan McKinstry, commented on McCarthy’s arrival, anticipating an attacking style of play from the Kenyan side. “It’s a new era in Kenyan Football,” he remarked.
Benni McCarthy’s debut as head coach of the Kenya national team serves as a pivotal moment, as he prepares to guide the Harambee Stars in the critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Despite previous challenges, McCarthy’s enthusiasm and the potential of the squad offer hope for improvement. The upcoming match against Gambia is crucial for both teams as they seek to enhance their standings in Group F.
Original Source: africanfootball.com
