Benni McCarthy opens up on first Kenyan home match experience

Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has opened up about his experience playing at home as Kenya’s Harambee Stars head coach.

McCarthy suffered his first defeat as the Harambee Stars coach at the hands of Gabon in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F qualifier on Sunday.

The match, which was played at Nyayo National Stadium, ended 2-1 in favour of Gabon. Former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a brace for Gabon. In addition, captain Michael Olunga scored the Harambee Stars’ consolation goal in the 75th minute. Furthermore, this was all McCarthy’s men managed, as all efforts to equalise were thwarted.

This was McCarthy’s second match, having forced a 3-3 share of spoils with Gambia in his first match as Kenya’s head coach.

Though they lost, the Bafana Bafana legend was particularly thrilled with the carnival atmosphere as they played in front of a sold-out Nyayo National Stadium in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

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This was the Harambee Stars’ first home game in four years due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium. After the match, the 47-year-old coach described his experience at Nyayo stadium as ‘most memorable’ in his lengthy and illustrious career.

“We are grateful for the support of all the people that came out today [Sunday] to support us. This is the most memorable experience I’ve experienced, even in my time as a player in Europe. This is what African football should be about,” he said.

Consequently, the loss to Gabon left the Harambee Stars fixated on fourth position in Group F after six matches. They have six points on their tally, nine points behind Gabon who lead with 15 points.

Ivory Coast are second in the group with 13 points on their tally, while Burundi are third with seven points. In addition, Gambia are fifth with four points, while Seychelles sit at the bottom with nothing to show off.

While their World Cup qualification hopes were dented, McCarthy says his priority is making the Harambee Stars a team Kenyans can be proud of.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t give the fans the joy that they needed, something to celebrate at the end of the game.

“But what we can promise is that we will improve. We will get better, and they will have a team they can be very proud of,” McCarthy added.

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