- Firat takes swipe at McCarthy after Kenya’s 3-0 loss to Ivory Coast.
- Firat appeared to mock McCarthy’s tactical approach as he compared the defeat to the goalless draw his own side secured against the African Champions in June 2024.
- McCarthy replaced Firat who resigned in December 2024.
Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has aimed a subtle but pointed dig at current tactician Benni McCarthy following Kenya’s 3-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Stade Alassane Ouattara.
In a video shared on his Instagram account, Firat appeared to mock McCarthy’s tactical approach, using an AI-generated voiceover where he compares Kenya’s recent defeat to the goalless draw his own side secured against the African Champions in June 2024.
In the clip, Firat seems to explain his belief in structured preparation, tactical discipline and confidence-building, contrasting it with what he described as “empty talk” from McCarthy.
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Firat takes swipe at McCarthy
“Real coaches do tactics, not empty talk. No home game, no fans, but we found tactical solutions, not excuses,” the voice in the video said.
“Ivory Coast had no clear chances, even with debutants. Kenya pressed hard, won the ball and exploded with fast transitions.”
He went on to emphasize that even the best teams can be undone through proper planning and execution.
“Prepare your team with a clear game plan, well-designed passing schemes will break through their pressing. We played mostly with local players against stars from top clubs, but they had the confidence and structure to perform,” the video added.
ALSO READ: Engin Firat’s wanting record at Harambee Stars
Firat accompanied the post with a caption recalling Harambee Stars’ 0-0 draw with the African champions, describing it as a “tactical statement” that showcased Kenya’s ability to match elite opponents through organization and pressing under his tenure.
The Turkish tactician coached Harambee Stars during the first leg encounter against Ivory Coast in Malawi earlier this year, a match that ended goalless despite the Ivorians fielding several top European-based players.
During his three-year tenure with the national team, Firat oversaw 24 matches, registering seven wins, eight draws and nine losses.
Among his most notable results were victories against Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia and a resilient draw against the reigning African champions.
His overall record reads seven wins (three in competitive matches), six draws, and nine defeats in a mixed spell, but one that Firat continues to defend as tactically grounded and progressive for Kenyan football.
Harambee Stars results under Engin Firat
1. Mali 5-0 Kenya (Loss)
2. Kenya 0-1 Mali (Loss)
3. Uganda 1-1 Kenya (Draw)
4. Kenya 2-1 Rwanda (Win)
5. Iran 2-1 Kenya (Loss)
6. Pakistan 0-1 Kenya (Win)
7. Mauritius 1-0 Kenya (Loss)
8. Qatar 1-2 Kenya (Win)
9. Kenya 0-1 South Sudan (Loss)
10. Russia 2-2 Kenya (Draw)
11. Gabon 2-1 Kenya (Loss)
12. Seychelles 0-5 Kenya (Win)
13. Malawi 0-4 Kenya (Win)
14. Kenya 3-1 Zimbabwe (Win)
15. Kenya 1-1 Burundi (Draw)
16. Kenya 0-0 Ivory Coast (Draw)
17. Kenya 0-0 Zimbabwe (Draw)
18. Namibia 1-2 Kenya (Win)
19. Cameroon 4-1 Kenya (Loss)
20. Kenya 0-1 Cameroon (Loss)
21. South Sudan 2-0 Kenya (Loss)
22. Kenya 1-1 South Sudan (Draw)
23. Zimbabwe 1-1 Kenya (Draw)
24. Kenya 1-1 Namibia (Draw)