As Harambee Stars begin their FIFA Series assignment in Rwanda, head coach Bennie McCarthy has, for the first time, opened up about the factors behind Kenya’s 8-0 thrashing by African giants Senegal national football team.
The South African tactician laid bare the circumstances that led to the humiliating defeat, now ranked among the worst results in Kenya’s football history.
According to McCarthy, he had no role in organising the international friendly against Senegal last November, saying he was only informed of the high-profile match at the last minute.
He explained that the team had initially prepared to face Madagascar and Comoros, before the fixtures were changed multiple times.
“We were supposed to play against Madagascar and Comoros, and then it changed to Equatorial Guinea and Madagascar. Then it changed again to two matches against Equatorial Guinea. A week before the tournament, we were told we had to play Senegal, so it was completely out of my hands,” McCarthy said.
He added that he was forced to field an inexperienced squad against the reigning AFCON champions, having had limited time to prepare.
“We didn’t have to play if we didn’t want to,” he added.
Despite the criticism that followed, the former Manchester United forwards coach said the experience offered valuable lessons, noting that he has since adopted a more cautious approach in squad selection for international assignments.
“What we’re trying to do now is build for the 2027 AFCON, so we want to get the strongest possible players out there, including those with Kenyan heritage playing in strong leagues,” he said.
The team now turns its focus to redemption in the ongoing FIFA Series tournament in Kigali, Kigali. Kenya is set to face Estonia national football team on Friday, March 27, at 6 p.m. East African Time.
“We’re playing against Estonia, and if we win, we play the winner of Rwanda and Grenada. It’s a nice little opportunity for us to rectify things and make people forget about the last result,” McCarthy said. “We have a chance to put something positive back in the minds of Kenyans.”
McCarthy added that he is actively scouting for talent globally, as well as locally, to strengthen the national team.
