FOOTBALL
Frank Rotich 3 hrs ago

McCarthy urges patience as AFCON 2027 pressure builds

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. [Courtesy Harambee Stars]

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has called on Kenyans to lower expectations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, warning that talk of semi-finals is unrealistic for the national team.

With AFCON 2027 set to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, excitement is growing across the region. But as hopes rise, so does pressure on the Harambee Stars to deliver strong results on home soil.

Some football leaders in Kenya have already set bold targets. McDonald Mariga has suggested the team should reach at least the quarter-finals, while Nicholas Musonye believes a semi-final place would keep fans engaged.

However, McCarthy sees things differently.

Speaking in a recent interview, the coach dismissed such expectations as unrealistic. He said Kenya should first focus on getting out of the group stage — something the team has never achieved in its previous AFCON appearances.

McCarthy pointed to the gap in quality between Kenya and Africa’s top football nations. He noted that many Kenyan players compete in the local league, which he believes is not yet at the same level as stronger leagues on the continent.

The coach also questioned how Kenya could expect to beat established teams like Ivory Coast national football team or Senegal national football team, especially given recent heavy defeats that exposed the team’s weaknesses.

Despite his strong words, McCarthy’s message is clear: progress will take time. For now, he believes realistic goals and steady improvement are the best path forward for Harambee Stars.

As the countdown to AFCON 2027 continues, the debate remains should Kenya dream big, or build step by step.