‘We could have conceded 10 with CHAN squad’ - McCarthy defends Harambee Stars' fielding decisions
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 06.09.25. | 10:45
The former Bafana Bafana striker believes the World Cup qualifiers were a cut above the locally based players
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has defended his choice of players following Harambee Stars' defeat at home.
Kenya hosted The Gambia in a 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match played on Friday, 5 September at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, from 1600 hrs.
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Sheriff Sinyan opened the scoring in the 12th minute, heading a Yankubah Minteh corner after Harambee Stars' poor defending.
The Brighton & Hove Albion star then put his name on the scoresheet in the 26th minute after being put through by Musa Barrow.
Barrow then turned from provider to scorer in the 38th minute to complete Kenya's demolition in the first half.
The goal was Barrow’s third against Kenya after scoring a brace in the first half.
Harambee Stars fans expressed their frustration, suggesting that the CHAN squad did better, a matter that coach McCarthy disagreed with in his post-match press conference.
“I will give you my honest assessment. If I played Omija and Sylvester and then played Bandi and Abud, we could concede 10. That is the honest truth,” said McCarthy.
The former South African international went ahead to contrast the two competitions and their distinct nature.
“That was CHAN, played by local players. This was a World Cup qualifier - played by the best players, playing in Europe’s best leagues. You cannot compare the two,” he added.
Nevertheless, McCarthy, who introduced four CHAN players: Alpha Onyango, Manzur Okwaro, Ryan Ogam, and Boniface Muchiri in the second half, said the players will keep growing.
“I have to be realistic also. It is a learning curve, and hopefully one day we will get there, but for these (World Cup qualifiers), no chance,” he concluded.
Ogam, who has since signed for Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC, scored Kenya's consolation in the 81st minute, sending the packed Kasarani stadium into a frenzy.
Harambee Stars, who are now out of the World Cup, will face Seychelles in their next match set for Tuesday, 9 September at Kasarani Stadium.
