Kenya national team coach Benni McCarthy is eager to begin his tenure leading the Harambee Stars in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Their first match is against Gambia on 20 March. Kenya currently sits fourth in Group F after two draws, aiming to improve their position.
Benni McCarthy, the head coach of the Kenya national team, expressed his enthusiasm for managing the Harambee Stars during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with their first match against Gambia scheduled for 20 March at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium at 9:00 PM CAT.
The Harambee Stars began their qualifying campaign on a shaky note, registering two draws against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Currently, Kenya is placed fourth in Group F, five points behind the leaders, Ivory Coast, after four matches played.
This will mark McCarthy’s debut as coach for Kenya, and he emphasized the importance of embracing challenges. “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,” stated McCarthy. He acknowledged the hard work ahead but expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to confront the challenges.
Gambia, under the leadership of coach Johnathan McKinstry, is also striving to regain momentum after a 3-2 defeat to Gabon. Currently ranked fifth in Group F, they trail Kenya by two points. McKinstry commented on McCarthy’s recent appointment, anticipating a shift towards a more attacking style of play from the Kenyan side.
In summary, Benni McCarthy is poised to lead the Kenyan national team in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, showcasing excitement and determination despite a rocky start. The Harambee Stars aim to improve their standing in Group F against Gambia, who are also seeking a crucial victory. The upcoming match signifies a pivotal challenge for both teams, particularly as they navigate the demands of this competitive qualifier.
Original Source: africanfootball.com
