Harambee Stars may not have won their 2026 Fifa World Cup Group F qualifying match against Gabon on Sunday, but there were positives that the country could build on going into the future.
Kenyans thronged Nyayo National Stadium and filled it beyond capacity for the first time in many years in a show of solidarity to the team and also as proof of trust in the newly appointed Stars coach Benni McCarthy.
They may have had their hearts broken after Kenya lost 2-1 to a more experienced Gabonese side, but their love for football and the national team was without a doubt, rekindled.
Speaking after the match, McCarthy said he hasn’t had enough time with his charges as some foreign-based players linked up with the team in Ivory Coast.
“We didn’t have much time to train together and gel, but I saw changes and improvement. Being new as a coach, there is only much you can change, but with time, you are able to watch the team play and identify areas that need to be worked on,” McCarthy said.
“It’s a process and it requires time together and I believe that we are going to have better results in future.”
And as the good book says, to whom much is given much is expected, its now upon McCarthy, whom Kenyans have shown love and immense trust, to transform Stars into a winning side and restore joy. The South African tactician, who is new to the job, led Kenya to a 3-3 draw against Gambia in his first match and Kenyans were expecting victory when Harambee Stars played host to the Gabonese side.
However, it was a toll order for McCarthy to instantly transform Stars, who have been struggling under his predecessors, into a formidable side able to conquer star-studded Gabon whose lead striker was former Arsenal Star Pierre Emerick Aubamayeng.
Even so, the Kenyans made a good account of themselves in the first two matches that the former Manchester United first team coach has been in charge.
McCarthy, known for his attacking football, has had a level of success changing Stars from a defensive outfit to a more aggressive side in offence.
Stars created more scoring chances than ever before against Gabon, even though they failed to score.
They gave Gabon Panthers, who are ranked 84th globally 24 places above them, a run for their money and even had them frustrated at some point in the game.
Kenyans also witnessed the revelation of Australia-based star William Lenkupae, who was very industrious in both the Gambia and Gabon encounters.
McCarthy also proved that he is ready to give young and ambitious players a chance by starting Mohammed Bajaber, who had been sidelined by previous coaches.
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