After guiding the Harambee Stars to a dominant 5-0 victory over Seychelles in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Kenya’s head coach, Benni McCarthy, seized the post-match moment to cast a vision for the future of East African football. While celebrating the emphatic win, which saw Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam each score a brace, the former Manchester United striker’s coach revealed his desire to see a regional tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Kenya defeated Seychelles 5-0 in World Cup qualifiers with Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam scoring braces
- Coach Benni McCarthy proposes a mini East African tournament featuring regional nations
- Tanzania is specifically targeted as the primary challenge McCarthy wants to face
- The tournament would help maintain team sharpness and promote regional football development
- McCarthy praised the team’s tactical discipline and effective use of set-pieces
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Dominant Victory Sets the Stage
During the press conference, McCarthy expressed his pride in the team’s performance, highlighting their “ruthlessness” in front of goal and their commitment to his game plan. The win was a much-needed morale boost for the team and fans, coming after a 3-1 defeat to The Gambia that ended their World Cup qualification hopes. McCarthy specifically praised the players for their character and tactical discipline, particularly noting the effective use of set-pieces which led to two of the five goals.
McCarthy’s Regional Vision
The South African tactician then looked beyond the qualifiers and addressed the ongoing rivalry among East African nations, particularly between Kenya and Tanzania. A friendly banter that was heightened during the recently concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN) has caught his attention. McCarthy, who had previously remained quiet on the subject, now appears ready to settle the rivalry on the pitch.
“A little boost would be to have a mini East Africa tournament… invite Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda—all the East African teams. It would be nice to break bread on the pitch. But Tanzania first!”
The Tanzania Challenge
This bold call for a regional competition is seen as a way to keep the national team sharp and provide a platform for growth. It also reflects McCarthy’s forward-looking approach to building a strong and cohesive squad for future international assignments. The emphasis on Tanzania as the primary target demonstrates his awareness of the regional dynamics and his confidence in his team’s abilities.
Building on Positive Momentum
The coach hopes the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will engage FIFA to help organize such a tournament, which would not only boost regional football but also continue to build on the positive momentum created by the win over Seychelles. This initiative could mark a new chapter in East African football, fostering healthy competition while strengthening regional ties through the sport.
McCarthy’s vision extends beyond mere competition, aiming to create a platform where East African nations can regularly test their mettle against each other, ultimately raising the standard of football across the region. The success of such a tournament could pave the way for more structured regional competitions and enhanced cooperation in football development.
