Aasai

Head coach Benni McCarthy delivered a message of encouragement and confidence following Harambee Stars’ emphatic 5-0 win over Seychelles in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday. 

The South African coach revealed how extensive training had helped them secure a convincing win in their final World Cup qualifier before concluding their qualifying campaign away to Burundi and Ivory Coast in October. “We did what we said we wanted to do: take the game to them from the first minute,” he said, praising the team’s aggressiveness in front of goal and their commitment to the game plan. He praised the players’ behaviour under pressure – especially after the earlier defeat to Gambia – highlighting their ability to bounce back with clinical results and tactical discipline. 

"The first whistle blew, and never let Seychelles breathe. Thats the kind of response you want as a coach," McCarthy said. Striker Ryan Wesley Ogam, making his first start in the qualifiers, took advantage of the opportunity with two goals and showed maturity beyond his years. McCarthy praised the striker, who is close to completing a move to Austrian Bundesliga club Wolfsberger AC, following his CHAN 2024 triumph.

 "Ryan took his goals well... hes quickly becoming his own man." Michael Olunga - despite public criticism in recent weeks - has received strong support from his coach. McCarthy stressed his importance to the squad, citing a series of online comments. "People will always talk, but Michael remains essential to me and to the team. Every time he puts on the shirt, he gives everything. Thats the important thing". 

The sets were identified as a deciding factor with McCarthy revealing that the team had focused heavily on them in training - a strategy that paid off handsomely in the match. Defender Collins Sichenje also impressed, scoring on his debut and adding pace and creativity to Kenyas attack - qualities that McCarthy was credited with causing serious problems for defenders.

 Looking ahead, McCarthy stressed the need to maintain momentum. He floated the idea of ​​smaller regional tournaments or friendlies against Tanzanian opponents to keep the squad fresh, and ensure the teams philosophy remains fresh as they regroup ahead of the October match.

He suggested organizing regional friendly matches to keep the squad strong. "We will monitor the players at their clubs, but it would be good to have camps and even small tournaments with neighbors like Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda. That way, we set a new philosophy and continue to build on it," he said.