Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy had a challenging start to his tenure, failing to secure a victory in his first two matches during Kenya’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March. The team managed an exciting 3-3 draw against The Gambia but suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Gabon, effectively dashing their hopes of qualifying for the global tournament.
With these results, McCarthy will have to wait longer before celebrating his first win as Kenya’s head coach. The next international window arrives in June, but Kenya does not have any competitive matches scheduled during that period. This means the South African tactician will likely have to rely on friendly fixtures to secure his first victory.
The June international break will take place after the conclusion of the current club season, providing an opportunity for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to arrange friendly matches. McCarthy will undoubtedly push for quality opponents to test his squad while also aiming to register his first win as head coach. His ability to prepare the team during these friendly encounters will be crucial for Kenya’s upcoming assignments.
If McCarthy does not manage to secure a victory in the friendlies, his next opportunity will come in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024). This tournament, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania, presents a chance for the coach to make a statement. However, the challenge will be formidable, as Kenya is placed in Group A alongside strong teams like Angola, Zambia, Morocco, and DR Congo.
In order to progress to the next round of CHAN 2024, Kenya must secure at least two wins and a draw. The pressure will be immense, but the tournament provides a platform for McCarthy to not only claim his first victory but also to make a significant impact on Kenya’s football landscape. Given the expectations surrounding a host nation, fans will demand strong performances from the Harambee Stars.
Beyond CHAN 2024, McCarthy will turn his attention to the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September. Kenya will have back-to-back home fixtures against The Gambia and Seychelles, two games that present a realistic chance for the coach to finally break his winless streak. The match against Seychelles, in particular, could be an opportunity for a confidence-boosting result.
McCarthy’s first win as Kenya’s coach could arrive in any of these three windows the June international break, CHAN 2024, or the World Cup qualifiers in September. The sooner he gets it, the better it will be for the team’s morale and his own reputation as he looks to build a competitive squad. The coming months will be crucial as he works to implement his philosophy, improve team cohesion, and guide Harambee Stars to success.
