In a statement that has stirred debate on social media and across the East African nation, the South African said there’s no way he can help Harambee Stars to win the AFCON even if he’s given millions of dollars to achieve the target.
Harambee Stars are already guaranteed participation in the 2027 edition by virtue of being the co-host nation alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
This edition of the tournament would be the first to be hosted by three countries, and the first in five decades to be organised in the CECAFA region, since it was hosted by Ethiopia in 1976.
McCarthy said: “Even if you were to pay me millions and millions of dollars to win the AFCON, I don’t think Kenya has the resources and a team strong enough to compete with Morocco, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.
“Those are powerhouses. Guinea can also compete for the AFCON title; we know they have fantastic players. Those are the powerhouses in African football.
“So, for us to think that Kenya could win the AFCON, it is not impossible, but it is highly likely that we will not make it.”
Former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards defender Reginald Asibwa is among those who have come out openly to respond to McCarthy’s comments.
According to Asibwa, McCarthy should be fired because his comments were a clear indicator that he was not ready to help the country win the AFCON crown for the first time in history.
‘McCarthy is below par as well’
“I don’t know whether his statement is directed to the playing unit or the fans in general, including those that have given him the opportunity to steer Kenya into the football powerhouse he’s talking about,” Asibwa told Flashscore.
“If you were a doctor, would you tell the patient you’re treating that I’m giving you this medicine but you’ll still die. In insurance, they say that the first law is “never accept liability”.
“I think from the onset I didn’t see Benni as one that Kenya needed, or one that would propel Kenya into success.”
Asked whether McCarthy should remain as Kenya coach after the comments, Asibwa, who played for Harambee Stars in the late 80s and 90s replied: “He (McCarthy) should have left yesterday, if you insinuate that the team you’re coaching is below par, how will you be above par? You are below par as well.
“If you have cooked food, can you join others to complain about what you cooked and that it’s awful or bad? That is gonna be a standing joke!”
‘FKF owes Kenyans an explanation’
Asibwa challenged FKF to come out clear on how they settled for McCarthy to lead Kenya, insisting his failure to win the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was co-hosted in East Africa, was another red flag that he was not up to the task.
“If you cannot win AFCON why don’t you beat Eritrea, why can’t you win CHAN with all the incentives,” added Asibwa while referring to Kenya’s recent 1-1 AFCON qualification draw against Eritrea.
“They normally say the beauty is in the eye of the beholder; whoever gave him the opportunity owes Kenyans an explanation.”
Asibwa added: “Had it not been the Ksh1 million per win initiative from President Ruto when Kenya hosted CHAN, I think Kenya would have been out at the group stages.
“In the Bible, David was a small man, but he brought down Goliath. Leicester City had just been promoted not long from a lower-tier league but won the Premier League in 2015/16 season.
“Just recently, Cape Verde was a darling of the whole world at the World Cup. I think our coach has given up; maybe his employer should summon him in regard to his targets and whether he is the right person.”
In other selected reactions, Martin Moses wrote on his social media pages: “If you don’t believe you can build a competitive team for AFCON 2027, then why are you here?
“Doesn’t matter how right you think you are but some comments, especially from the guy tasked with preparing the team, shouldn’t be said out loud.”
Anwar Gallant defended McCarthy by saying: “Some people would prefer that he lies. Benni has always been straight-forward and honest. People need to be realistic.”
Thobila Vena added: “He is just being honest; he is there for a project and that project is to improve the national team and the state of their national team setup.”
During the CHAN, Kenya made a historic debut by finishing top of Group A before exiting in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals. Kenya topped Group A with 10 points after going unbeaten through the group stage (3 wins and 1 draw).
Kenya has participated in the Africa Cup of Nations six times, making them one of the more experienced East African teams in the competition. Despite this, Kenya has never advanced past the group stages of a single AFCON.
The six times include (1972, 1988, 1990, 1992, 2004, and 2019). Their first-ever AFCON victory was a 3-0 result against Burkina Faso in 2004.
