Why veteran coach sees positives in Harambee Stars’ embarrassing defeat to Senegal
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 19.11.25. | 19:40
While defeat to the Lions of Teranga was expected, conceding eight goals stunned even the most seasoned observers
Mara Sugar head coach Edward Manoah says there are valuable lessons to draw from Harambee Stars’ humiliating 8–0 defeat to Senegal in an international friendly played in Turkey on Tuesday night.
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The result, which is one of the worst in Kenya’s football history, sparked shock and widespread debate among fans, with many questioning not only the national team, but the standards of Kenyan football as well.
While defeat to the Lions of Teranga was expected, conceding eight goals stunned even the most seasoned observers.
But Manoah, a veteran with over two decades of coaching experience in Kenyan football, believes the loss should be viewed within the context of long-term growth rather than short-term embarrassment.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the former Chemelil Sugar and Oserian coach said the match was a necessary test as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Kenya vs Senegal was a test match and a process in the right direction,” Manoah said.
“This process will be tough, ruthless and painful because we aspire to sit at the same table with Africa’s big boys.
These are the kinds of games we should be playing every international break if we are serious about preparing for AFCON 2027.”
Manoah encouraged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to remain bold and continue organizing high-profile friendlies, insisting that Kenya has too often avoided facing the continent’s giants.
“We belong to the big stage. At times we have been cowardly, failing to take the bold step to play top teams. Keeping to this script will build belief and desire in the country again, and help us earn our deserved seat at the big table,” he added.
The veteran tactician pointed to Kenya’s strong performance at CHAN 2024, where the team reached the quarterfinals, as evidence that the national side has the potential to compete at higher levels.
“We showed it during the CHAN tournament, and I am convinced these kinds of matches are what we need,” he noted.
The Senegal defeat has left a bitter taste among Kenyans, prompting an immediate apology from FKF president Hussein Mohammed.
The heavy loss ranks as Kenya’s fourth-worst defeat in history, behind the 13-1 loss to Uganda in 1932, the 13-2 defeat to Ghana in 1965, and the 9-0 loss to Zambia in 1978.
Despite the disappointment, Manoah insists that painful nights like Tuesday are part of the journey for a country seeking to rebuild and compete with Africa’s elite.
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