McCarthy: “We Got Punished for Our Mistakes” as Harambee Stars Falter Against Gambia

Kenya’s Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy admitted that costly mistakes were the main reason behind their heavy 3-1 defeat to The Gambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

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First Half Disaster Cost Us Dearly

The game swung decisively against Harambee Stars early on as The Gambia capitalized on defensive lapses and unforced errors to score three times in the first half. Sheriff Sinyan opened the scoring in the 12th minute off a set piece, followed by a lethal finish from Yankuba Minteh in the 26th, and a third goal from Musa Barrow in the 38th minute, leaving Kenya shell-shocked and searching for answers.

McCarthy was frank about how these mistakes happened and their consequences. “When you play at this level and make the mistakes we did, especially against a team like Gambia with players operating in top European leagues, you get punished,” said the South African tactician.

He pointed out how a simple error in trying to dribble from the back led to The Gambia’s first goal, and how poor marking during corners gifted them dangerous headers. “At this stage, mistakes are costly. We left players free; we lost important battles, and that’s why the scoreline inflated.”

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Second-Half Fight Shows Heart but Too Late

Despite the first-half collapse, Harambee Stars showed more character and energy after the break. McCarthy responded with substitutions, bringing in players like Alpha Onyango and Manzur Okwaro whose chemistry from their CHAN experience energized the side. The team fought back, with Ryan Ogam pulling one back in the 81st minute, raising the hopes of a comeback.

“The second half was better — we showed fight and passion. That’s what people want to see when you wear the national jersey,” McCarthy said, acknowledging the team’s resilience despite the gap being too large to bridge.

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Lessons from Quality Opposition

McCarthy praised the quality of The Gambia squad, noting their players’ European experience and clinical finishing. “They have every outfield player playing in Europe—that’s the level we want to get to. We must learn from this if we want to compete at that elite level.”

This experience, though harsh, serves as a learning curve for Harambee Stars, signaling the need to overhaul defensive concentration and decision-making in key moments.

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World Cup Hopes Now Realistic but Focused on Growth

The defeat marked Kenya’s third loss in seven qualifiers, effectively ending their direct hopes of making the 2026 World Cup. Sitting fourth in a tough Group F, the path ahead requires not only immediate improvement but longer-term development.

McCarthy remains calm and focused on building the team for the future. “This is a painful lesson but not the end. We must work hard to reduce errors and improve team cohesion.”

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Fan and Player Takeaway

The fans who filled Kasarani witnessed flashes of promise but were reminded of the gap Kenya must close to compete against elite African sides. Michael Olunga and co. now face a critical clash against Seychelles, a must-win to keep some hope in the qualification race.

McCarthy’s message to the shabiki is clear: “Keep believing. We fight for you. We learn and come back stronger.”

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What’s Next?

Kenya will regroup quickly as preparations begin for the next qualifier against Seychelles at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, September 9. The squad must fix the costly mistakes exposed against Gambia and bring the fight and passion back from the first whistle.