Benni McCarthy’s inaugural match as head coach of Harambee Stars ended in a 3-3 draw against The Gambia, showcasing a mix of resilience and defensive challenges. Despite falling behind three times, debutant William Lenkupae scored a late equalizer. The Stars now turn their attention to an upcoming fixture against Gabon, where improving defensive strategies will be crucial for the team’s World Cup qualification ambitions.
On March 20, 2025, new Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy commenced his tenure with a challenging World Cup qualifier against The Gambia, held at Alassane Ouattara Stadium due to the unavailability of a CAF-approved venue in Kenya. The match aimed to bolster Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, with McCarthy seeking to secure all three points after the team recorded their sole victory in Group F—against Seychelles—in November of the previous year.
The match concluded with a dramatic 3-3 tie, where the Harambee Stars came from behind three times to earn a valuable point. Notably, debutant William Lenkupae scored a crucial late equalizer. The match highlighted the need for McCarthy to address defensive weaknesses before the next fixture against Gabon.
In summary, the Stars initially struggled against The Gambia, falling behind to goals from Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh. Kenya fought back with goals from Michael Olunga and Mohammed Bajaber, demonstrating resilience. This match serves as a catalyst for McCarthy, who must refine team tactics and defense for future games.
McCarthy’s debut was marked by swift action from both teams, showcasing defensive lapses and moments of brilliance from debutants. The defensive fragility, particularly against quick counterattacks, was evident. The strive for improvement will be central as the Harambee Stars regroup for their upcoming matches in hopes of enhancing their standing in Group F and the overall World Cup qualification campaign.
In conclusion, Benni McCarthy’s first match as head coach resulted in a hard-fought draw against The Gambia, emphasizing both the potential and challenges facing the Harambee Stars. The team demonstrated resilience but must address defensive gaps ahead of crucial qualifiers. Engaging performance from debutants, particularly William Lenkupae, highlighted the promising talent within the squad. As the Stars prepare for their next encounter with Gabon, a focused approach on defense will be essential for securing future points in the qualification rounds.
Original Source: www.mozzartsport.co.ke
