The pressure continues to mount on Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy after the Harambee Stars played out a frustrating 0-0 draw against Chad. The result means the South African tactician is yet to a win in his first three matches in charge of the Kenyan side. It raises questions about his suitability for the role as the team’s preparations for the 2027 AFCON.
A Game of Missed Opportunities
Kenya dominated proceedings for large spells of the match, creating several clear-cut chances but failing to convert any into goals. Kakamega Homeboyz striker Moses Shumah was particularly wasteful, missing two early opportunities. One flew over the bar, and another was saved by Chad’s goalkeeper Jourdain Mbaynassem. William Lenkupae, lively throughout, also squandered a golden one-on-one chance in the second half. Boniface Muchiri and Adam Wilson combined well on the flanks, but Chad’s defence repeatedly thwarted their efforts.
Referee Bouchra Karboubi waved away two strong penalty appeals from Kenya, further adding to the team’s frustration. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and territory, the Harambee Stars could not find the breakthrough. More so, Chad nearly snatched a winner through Casimir Ninga and Ali Mahamat Adam. Both of them came close in either half. In the end, Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Bwire ensured the match ended goalless, thanks to a few crucial saves.
McCarthy Under Scrutiny
The result extends Benni McCarthy’s winless run to three games since his appointment on March 3, 2025. His tenure began with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Gambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, followed by a 2-1 home loss to Gabon. Saturday’s stalemate against Chad has only intensified the scrutiny. Experts are now questioning whether the South African legend has the tactical acumen and motivational skills required to turn around Kenya’s fortunes on the international stage.
While McCarthy was forced to field a side missing several regulars, his inability to inspire a clinical edge in attack or secure a first win is causing concern among fans and pundits alike. The Football Kenya Federation’s decision to appoint McCarthy was based on his experience as a player and coach. But the early results have not matched expectations.
Kenya will have a swift opportunity to redeem themselves when they face Chad again on Tuesday, June 10. With the CHAN tournament looming in December, McCarthy must quickly find solutions to the team’s attacking woes. If he is to silence his critics and justify the faith placed in him by the federation, he needs to get a win sooner rather than later.