Kenya has named former South African international Benni McCarthy their new head coach just weeks before resuming their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
McCarthy’s first matches in charge will take place in March, beginning with an away fixture against The Gambia, followed by a home clash with Gabon. Kenya currently trails Group F leaders Côte d’Ivoire by five points but still has six matches left to play. The group winners will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up will compete in a second-round playoff.
Despite co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Tanzania and Uganda, Kenya did not qualify for the 2025 edition set to be held in Morocco.
McCarthy, unveiled at a press conference in Nairobi, was previously part of Manchester United’s coaching staff under Erik ten Hag, working with the club’s strikers. His managerial experience includes stints at South African clubs Cape Town City and AmaZulu.
The 47-year-old, who earned 80 caps for South Africa, played in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United. He also won the UEFA Champions League with Porto in 2004.
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