The Harambee Stars of Kenya kick off a new chapter today as they take on Gambia in a must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, marking the debut of newly appointed head coach Benni McCarthy.
The South African football legend was officially unveiled by the Football Kenya Federation earlier this month and is tasked with reviving Kenya’s World Cup dreams.
Kenya currently sits fourth in Group F with 5 points from four matches. Their campaign so far includes one win, two draws, and a loss. Today’s clash against fifth-placed Gambia, who have managed just 3 points and conceded nine goals, presents a perfect opportunity for Kenya to close the gap on third-placed Burundi and reignite their push for qualification. A win would take Kenya to 8 points, just one behind Burundi, who currently occupy the last potential qualifying spot.
Benni McCarthy brings a wealth of experience to the Harambee Stars dugout. Before joining Kenya, he served as an assistant coach at English giants Manchester United and previously managed Cape Town City and AmaZulu in South Africa. McCarthy, the all-time leading goal scorer for Bafana Bafana, is renowned for his tactical acumen and motivational leadership.
Speaking ahead of his first game, McCarthy expressed optimism, stating he was “surprised by the quality” in the Kenyan squad and confident they can turn things around.
“I believe this team has what it takes to make history,” McCarthy said. “We need to believe in ourselves, stick to the plan, and play with heart.”
Group F so far: Ivory Coast dominate, Seychelles struggle
While Kenya and Gambia battle for survival in the qualifiers, other teams in Group F have begun to separate themselves. Ivory Coast leads the standings with 10 points after four matches, boasting an incredible 12 goals scored and none conceded. Their dominance has made them favorites to finish top of the group.
Gabon sits second with 9 points, despite suffering one defeat. Their strong form has kept them in the hunt for qualification. Burundi is in third with 7 points, having shown resilience but inconsistency, opening a window for Kenya to catch up if they can secure a victory today.
At the bottom of the table is Seychelles, whose campaign has been nothing short of disastrous. They’ve lost all four of their games, scoring just twice while conceding a staggering 22 goals, leaving them rooted to last place with no points.
A new dawn for Kenyan football?
Benni McCarthy’s appointment has reignited hope among Kenyan football fans, many of whom see his arrival as a bold move by the Football Kenya Federation to inject fresh ideas and energy into the national team. His first task is to get maximum points against a Gambia side desperate to stay in the running.
As the Harambee Stars step onto the pitch under their new coach, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win could mark the beginning of a new era—one where Kenya not only competes but qualifies for its first-ever FIFA World Cup.
Sam Oduor is the founder and one of the editors at WKT. With a strong background in Communication and Journalism, Sam is an experienced digital media expert currently building a team of young professionals dedicated to telling the story of our community in a unique, authentic way.
