Harambee Stars coach has fired back at fans asking for more local players after Kenya fell 3-1 to Gambia in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Kasarani. The result leaves Kenya’s hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament hanging by a thread and sparked heated debate about team selection.
The Scorpions showed no mercy in the first half. Yankuba Minteh struck in the 12th minute after a swift counter attack. Adama Sidibeh added the second when he punished a poor pass from midfielder Richard Odada. Moments before the break, Musa Barrow unleashed a long range strike that gave Patrick Matasi no chance.
Kenya found some rhythm after the restart. Substitute Ryan Wesley Ogam rose highest to head home from a corner in the 62nd minute. Captain Michael Olunga tried to inspire a comeback but was denied by the solid hands of Baboucarr Gaye and strong defending from Gambia’s backline. Even with six added minutes, the Stars could not close the gap.
After the game, Benni McCarthy faced questions on why he ignored several players from the African Nations Championship squad. His reply was fiery. “People like you want me to take a risk and play CHAN players, come on man, this is International level,” he told journalists. His words spread quickly across social media, fuelling an already heated conversation among fans.
McCarthy, who won the UEFA Champions League with Porto and later worked at Manchester United, took charge of Kenya in March. He guided the team to the CHAN 2024 quarter finals and even earned an SJAK coach of the month award. But his task now looks tougher after only one win in four qualifiers.
Frustrated fans at Kasarani chanted for home grown players to be trusted. FKF president Nick Mwendwa urged supporters to give McCarthy time, insisting that building a winning team is a long process.
The defeat pushed Gambia to second place in Group F behind leaders Ivory Coast. Kenya’s road to Canada, Mexico and the USA is now steeper. The Stars must bounce back fast as they prepare to face Gambia again away on September 10 in what is already being called a must win battle.
By KenyaGossip