Benni McCarthy debuted as Kenya’s coach with a 3-3 draw against Gambia in a World Cup qualifying match. The game featured a dramatic finish, with Kenya equalizing in added time after trailing. Gambia took an early lead, with significant contributions from Musa Barrow, while Kenya’s goals came from Michael Olunga and Mohammed Bajaber. This draw leaves Kenya in a challenging position in their qualifying group as they face Gabon next.
Former Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy made a dramatic debut as the head coach of the Kenyan national football team, culminating in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia during a World Cup qualifying match in Johannesburg. The encounter, which initially featured a lackluster first half, saw Gambia miss a penalty taken by Musa Barrow but ignited with significant momentum after halftime, culminating in a last-minute equalizer by William Wilson.
Gambia had initially established a two-goal advantage, which they extended before Kenya closed the gap. With just six minutes of added time remaining, Wilson equalized by scoring from close range after Gambia failed to clear a long throw from Kenya. Barrow redeemed his earlier penalty miss by scoring twice for Gambia, while Yankuba Minteh added another goal. For Kenya, Michael Olunga succeeded in scoring from a penalty kick, and substitute Mohammed Bajaber also contributed to the score.
McCarthy expressed confidence in Kenya’s potential to surprise many by qualifying for the World Cup. Looking ahead, Gabon currently leads the group and will face Kenya in Nairobi, while the reigning champions, Ivory Coast, sit in second place. The competition remains fierce, with only nine group winners from Africa assured a spot in the upcoming World Cup scheduled for 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In another notable Group C matchup, Benin managed to secure the top position despite surrendering a two-goal lead, ending their game against Zimbabwe in a draw. The match featured significant plays from both sides, with Steve Mounie and Dokou Dodo scoring for Benin and Knowledge Musona equalizing for Zimbabwe. South Africa and Rwanda are also in contention within this tightly contested group.
Additionally, Mohamed Kallon, the new coach of Sierra Leone, led his team to victory against Guinea-Bissau, strengthening their position in Group A. Meanwhile, Pedro ‘Pepo’ Santos helped Mozambique achieve a 3-1 win over Uganda, elevating them to the top of Group G. Notably, Gambia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique had to play their matches at neutral venues due to the lack of FIFA-approved stadiums, indicative of ongoing challenges within these associations.
In conclusion, Benni McCarthy’s inaugural match as the head coach of Kenya resulted in an exciting 3-3 draw against Gambia, showcasing remarkable resilience from the team. With competitive qualifying efforts across various groups, the stakes are high as teams vie for a limited number of spots in the 2026 World Cup. The ongoing matches highlight both triumphs and challenges faced by national squads in the quest for international football glory.
Original Source: www.france24.com
