Benni McCarthy explains reason for first half substitutions against Gambia
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 06.09.25. | 20:36
After the break, McCarthy introduced Alpha Onyango, Manzur Okwaro, and later Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri, and Wolfsberger AC forward Ryan Ogam
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed why he opted against early substitutions during the first half of Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against The Gambia at Kasarani Stadium.
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Kenya went into the break trailing 3-0, forcing McCarthy to reshuffle his pack at the restart of the second stanza.
The South African tactician, however, defended his decision, saying he wanted to give his starting XI a fair chance before making changes.
"I thought we started brightly, we had the most possession and three corners that could have given us something,” McCarthy said.
“So, there was no need to change so early. It would also have been unfair to the players to pull them off after a few minutes.
At halftime, with three costly mistakes behind us, it was the right time to bring in fresh legs.”
First-half goals from Sheriff Sinyan (12’), Yankuba Minteh (26’), and Musa Barrow (38’) handed The Gambia a commanding lead.
After the break, McCarthy introduced Alpha Onyango, Manzur Okwaro, and later Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri, and Wolfsberger AC forward Ryan Ogam, who scored a consolation in the 81st minute.
The changes injected more energy and composure, with Harambee Stars showing a much-improved second-half display.
McCarthy also noted that integrating more international-based players could be a game-changer going forward, as the team seeks to convert promising spells into goals.
Kenya will now turn their focus to Tuesday’s clash against Seychelles, where McCarthy will be gunning for nothing short of a win.
