Benni McCarthy began his coaching tenure for Kenya with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Gambia in the World Cup qualifiers. Other results saw Cape Verde and Mozambique rise in their groups, while Benin and Namibia also secured important wins. The qualifiers are approaching their midway point as 11 more matches are scheduled.
Benni McCarthy, former Manchester United assistant coach, commenced his role as the head coach of the Kenya national team with an exhilarating 3-3 draw against Gambia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Abidjan. This match marked a significant start for McCarthy as the Harambe Stars currently stand fourth in Group F, while Gambia lags in fifth place. Both teams are striving to surpass leaders Burundi, Ivory Coast, and Gabon in the standings.
Other notable results from the qualifiers include Cape Verde leading Group D after Yannick Semedo’s decisive late goal against Mauritius. Mozambique, also making headlines, secured a 3-1 victory over Uganda in Group G due in part to two costly errors by Uganda’s goalkeeper and a red card issued to Denis Omedi, allowing them to top the group.
In Group C, Benin managed to secure the top position despite conceding a two-goal lead against Zimbabwe. The match was competitive, with veteran striker Knowledge Musona scoring an equalizer for Zimbabwe, although a late attempt by Musona was thwarted by Benin’s goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Gabon maintained their group lead after a convincing 3-0 win over Seychelles.
Namibia emerged victorious with a 1-0 win against Malawi in Group H, keeping them competitive with leaders Tunisia, who are two points ahead. Additionally, Sierra Leone celebrated their first victory under new coach Mohamed Kallon with a 3-1 win against Guinea Bissau in Group A, yet they remain behind Egypt.
As the African qualifiers approach the halfway mark, further action is anticipated, with 11 additional matches scheduled across the continent on Friday, revealing the ongoing quest for a spot in the North American finals.
In summary, Benni McCarthy’s debut as Kenya’s head coach resulted in an exciting draw against Gambia in the World Cup qualifiers. Several other matches revealed shifting dynamics in the groups, with teams like Cape Verde, Mozambique, Benin, and Namibia asserting their positions. The competitive landscape of the African qualifiers continues to evolve as teams strive for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
