Harambee Stars stats are not impressve and Benni McCarthy needs to find away to change the tide but he has to secure a result at all cost against The Gambia.
New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy faces the biggest test of his managerial career as he takes charge of national team duties for the first time.
While the South African is the best bet to take the Stars to another level, he must navigate through some not-so-good statistics that Harambee Stars have become accustomed to in the last few years.
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McCarthy, 47, has his work cut out to not only instil a winning mentality into the players, but under him, Kenya is expected to improve in terms of FIFA rankings. As of December 2024, Harambee Stars were ranked 108 in the world and bridging that gap calls for collective effort from the team and stakeholders alike.
Here is everything you need to know about the goalkeepers called up to Harambee Stars by Benni McCarthy. Who deserves to start against The Gambia and Gabon?
McCarthy’s immediate challenge is getting off to a flying start as Harambee Stars settle scores with The Gambia and Gabon in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers this month. The away match will be played at Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, Ivory Coast, on March 20 as Gambia do not have an approved stadium.
This will be matchday five for both nations as the qualification campaign for the global tournament set to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, continues to gather momentum. Four days later, the Michael Olunga-captained Stars welcome Gabon in Nairobi.
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A look at Benni McCarthy’s preferred line-up at Cape Town City and Amazulu and how Harambee Stars could potentially line-up under the South African tactician.
Since 2024, Harambee Stars have played 18 matches (friendlies, qualifiers and tournaments combined). Six wins, 7 draws and 5 losses is where Benni McCarthy has to pick up from. Surprisingly, Harambee Stars have dropped points in matches they were expected to win.
The lowest moment for the team was the 2-0 loss against South Sudan in the Africa Nations Championships CHAN qualifier in October. Although the match had little significance for Kenya owing to the fact that their place at the group stage of the CHAN was secured being co-hosts, the result raised eyebrows regarding Harambee Stars’ performance desire and passion.
Inconsistency is the team’s Achilles heel. After beating Malawi and Zimbabwe 4-0 and 3-1 respectively in friendly matches in March 2024, the Stars drew 1-1 and 0-0 against Burundi and Ivory Coast in the World Cup qualifiers. The COSAFA matches in June and July saw Stars defeat Zambia and Zimbabwe by the same scoreline of 2-0 although they came short against Comoros.
Fast forward to 2025, Harambee Stars secured a 2-0 win against Tanzania on January 7, courtesy of goals from Boniface Muchiri and Tusker hotshot Ryan Ogam. Kenya was beaten 1-0 by Zanzibar in a non-fifa friendly, three days later.
Harambee Stars have not mastered three consecutive wins for the longest time and it must be something McCarthy should take note of and try to change the tide. McCarthy is a fresh breath of air to Kenyan football. Every player has been given a clean slate to stake claim of his position and future within the team.
Playing for the national team is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that every player dreams of. Donning the badge is not only a mark of patriotism, but also explains the rich heritage of Harambee Stars. McCarthy and Harambee Stars players can use their dismal stats to kickstart a winning era and it is much possible.
