McCarthy: Kenya lacks football pedigree to win AFCON 2027

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has said Kenya is yet to bridge the gap with African powerhouses, stating the team lack the necessary pedigree to flip the order and win next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking during a press conference in Guinea, the South African tactician emphasised that building a title-winning side requires time, infrastructure, and top-tier experience, rather than quick financial injections and motivation.

Kenya, the 2027 AFCON co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, finished the October international break without a single win, managing two draws—against Eritrea and Rwanda—and a defeat to Guinea across three matches.

“Even if you were to pay me millions and millions of dollars to win AFCON, I don't think Kenya has the resources and the team strong enough to compete with Morocco, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal. Those are the powerhouses in African football," said McCarthy.

McCarthy urged fans and administrators to temper expectations with realism, pointing out that Kenya lacks the deep footballing muscle of established West and North African opponents.

However, the tactician maintained he was speaking out of honesty rather than disrespect, noting that the country's long-term footballing prospects remain bright due to a new wave of talent emerging locally and across European leagues.

"Kenya can win AFCON, but it's highly unlikely we would have a chance to win in 2027. I'm not disrespecting anybody, I'm just being honest," he added.

McCarthy pointed to the current generation of young players as the bedrock for future success, expressing confidence that sustained development will eventually elevate Harambee Stars to elite status.