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McCarthy reveals his toughest Harambee Stars moment during one year reign
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 01.04.26. | 12:03
Kenya now shifts focus to preparations for next year’s AFCON, for which the Stars automatically qualified as hosts.
One year into his reign as Harambee Stars head coach, Benni McCarthy has named last November’s 8-0 loss to Senegal as the toughest moment of his Kenyan journey, a humbling experience that offered invaluable lessons.
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The South African tactician was appointed on a contract running through to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
This will be the first time the East African region hosts the continent’s premier football competition, following Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania hosting last year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Since taking the helm, the former Manchester United forwards' coach has overseen 17 matches, registering seven wins, seven losses, and three draws, a record that can be described as moderate.
Reflecting on his first year, McCarthy described the experience as largely positive, with plenty of lessons learned along the way.
"It has been a very good year for me. There are not many negatives, just a learning curve," he told Eleven Eleven TV.
When asked about his toughest moment, he pointed to the 8-0 defeat to Senegal in a friendly match in Turkey last November. The coach emphasised that while it was a harsh experience, it offered important lessons.
"The match against Senegal was definitely a learning experience. Other than that, I have had fun and created good memories during my time at the helm of Kenya," he said.
One of the highlights of his tenure, McCarthy noted, has been giving young players a chance to shine. Debutants under his leadership include Ben-Stanley Omondi, Emmanuel Osoro, David Sakwa, Zech Obiero, Frank Odhiambo, Alpha Onyango, and Manzur Okwaro, among others.
"I have introduced many new faces who were previously unknown in Kenya. They have improved and grown. There have been more ups than downs, and I hope to have another year like this. When AFCON comes, we aim to have a bigger impact than we did at CHAN," McCarthy added.
Kenya now shifts focus to preparations for next year’s AFCON, for which the Stars automatically qualified as hosts. During CHAN, Kenya reached the quarter-finals, losing to Madagascar on penalties.
FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga has stressed that reaching at least the quarter-finals should be the minimum target for the upcoming AFCON.
