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Benni McCarthy's tenure as Harambee Stars coach started with a thrilling draw against Gambia. Here are five key takeaways.
Benni McCarthy's debut as Harambee Stars coach ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Gambia in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
After a goalless first half, Gambia took a 2-0 lead through Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh.
Kenya responded with a Michael Olunga penalty before substitute Mohamed Bajaber equalized at 2-2.
Barrow struck again to restore Gambia’s lead, but another Kenyan substitute William Lenkupae salvaged a point for Kenya with a stoppage-time goal.
While the match showcased Kenya’s resilience, it also highlighted key areas that need improvement.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.
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21:59 - 20.03.2025
Benni McCarthy kicks off Kenya reign with hard-fought comeback draw against Gambia
Harambee Stars fought hard in a tense Group F match staging a strong comeback but ultimately settling for a dramatic draw.
Five Things We Learned:
5. Harambee Stars Are Yet to Gel
Kenya’s disjointed play was evident, with the team still adapting to McCarthy’s tactics.
Unlike Gambia, which has had consistent squad selections and extended preparation, Harambee Stars looked like a team still in transition.
McCarthy has had minimal time to work with his players, and it showed in their lack of cohesion, particularly in the first half.
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20:15 - 19.03.2025
Letsile Tebogo, Christian Coleman, Kishane Thompson set for epic 100m battle in Shanghai
Letsile Tebogo, Christian Coleman, and Kishane Thompson headline a thrilling 100m race in Shanghai/Keqiao, kicking off a fierce sprint rivalry.
4. Centre-Back Pairing Needs Work
The defensive partnership of Daniel Ayembe and Brian Mandela struggled throughout the match.
Having never played together before, the duo lacked chemistry, leading to communication lapses that Gambia exploited.
The defensive errors, particularly in the second half, emphasized the need for McCarthy to find a more stable and coordinated backline and raised questions on the omission of senior center backs Joseph Okumu and Collins Sichenje.
3. Benni McCarthy’s Tactical Adjustments Paid Off
The first half ended goalless, but Gambia struck twice early in the second half. However, McCarthy’s tactical changes turned the game around.
His substitutions, including the introduction of Mohamed Bajaber and Jonah Ayunga, played a crucial role in Kenya’s comeback.
Bajaber and William Lenkupae both scored off the bench, proving that McCarthy’s second-half adjustments were spot on.
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16:40 - 19.03.2025
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2. Mohamed Bajaber Impresses
The Kenya Police midfielder made an instant impact after coming on.
With Harambee Stars trailing, Bajaber scored the equalizer to make it 2-2, showing composure and attacking flair.
His ability to influence the game in crucial moments suggests that he could be a key player for Kenya in the future.
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11:00 - 18.03.2025
Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars assistant slams South Africa’s best team over lack of sportsmanship
Harambee Stars goalkeeper trainer Moeneeb Josephs has hit out at the South African giants for not showing respect and sportsmanship following their recent league loss.
1. Michael Olunga Was Not at His Best
Despite converting a penalty, Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga struggled to make an impact.
The usually prolific striker missed two clear chances in the first half and seemed off his rhythm throughout the game.
As Kenya’s main attacking threat, Olunga will need to regain his form quickly, especially with a crucial match against Gabon coming up.
Looking Ahead
The thrilling draw against Gambia leaves Kenya with plenty to build on before their next World Cup qualifier against Gabon in Nairob on March 23.
While the team showed character and fighting spirit, McCarthy will be keen to address defensive weaknesses and improve overall team chemistry.
A win against Gabon could be the perfect boost to get Kenya’s qualifying campaign back on track.
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