- Harambee Stars suffered a 1-3 home defeat to Gambia in their CAF 2026 World Cup Qualifier clash.
- The match took place at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday, September 5.
- Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy explained his decision not to start the full CHAN 2024 squad, citing the level of competition and the need to balance the team.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has explained his decision not to field the entire Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 squad in the 2026 World Cup Qualifier against The Gambia.
On Friday, September 5, Kenya faced Gambia in their Group F fixture at the Moi International Sports Centre, suffering a disappointing 1-3 defeat.
Defensive lapses allowed Yankuba Minteh, Musa Barrow, and Sheriff Sinyan to score three first-half goals for the Scorpions, while Ryan Ogam netted a late consolation for the hosts.
The result dashed McCarthy’s team’s hopes of advancing to the global showcase, with three matches still remaining.
Speaking to the press after the match, the South African tactician defended his team selection, acknowledging criticism from fans who believed the CHAN squad, which impressively reached the quarterfinals in their debut appearance deserved a chance to start.
McCarthy emphasized the vast difference between the two competitions.
“CHAN is a continental tournament. World Cup qualifiers are played at the international level. Here, you’re facing players who compete in Serie A, the Premier League, La Liga. You simply can’t compare the Kenyan Premier League with those elite competitions,” he explained.
Why McCarthy didn’t use the Harambee Stars full CHAN 2024 squad
The former Manchester United forward coach explained that his main aim was to maintain competitiveness, adding that fielding the CHAN squad could have led to a heavy defeat.
People want me to start the CHAN squad which I’d love to but realistically, do you want us to lose 5–0 or even 10–0? This is a different level of football,” McCarthy stated.
Still, we offered opportunities to players like Bryne Omondi, Manzur Okwaro, and Alpha Onyango. It’s about gradually developing them, integrating local talent with our foreign-based players.”
He added candidly:
If I’m being honest, had I started Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Lewis Bandi, and Aboud Omar, we might have conceded 10 goals. That’s the level we are dealing with.”
Kenya, currently in the fifth place of Group F with six points, now turn their focus to their next match against Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, at the same venue, with their World Cup dreams officially over.
Harambee Stars Starting XI vs The Gambia
Bryne Omondi, Aboud Omar, Sylvester Owino, Rooney Onyango, Collins Sichenje, Richard Odada, Timothy Ouma, Duke Abuya, Michael Olunga, William Lenkupae, Emmanuel Osoro
