McCarthy still hopeful Kenya can qualify for 2026 World Cup

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has defiantly refused to give up on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, despite their 3-3 draw against Gambia on Thursday.

Speaking after the match at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Ivory Coast, McCarthy noted that anything is possible in football and that Kenya still has a realistic shot at qualification.

"We are hopeful. Teams do drop points along the way. Gambia can beat Ivory Coast, just as much as Gambia can beat Gabon. It is still very open, and if you take your opportunities well, anything can happen," McCarthy said.

In a thrilling encounter, debutants Mohammed Bajaber and Wilson Lenkupae found the net, alongside Captain Michael Olunga, as Kenya settled for a draw in McCarthy’s first match in charge.

Reflecting on the result, McCarthy admitted that while a draw was not ideal, he was pleased with the team's performance and saw room for improvement.

"A draw doesn’t help either us or Gambia, but I will take it since it is my first game in charge after only a couple of days with the national team. I’m happy with the point, happy with what I saw, and there’s a lot to improve on. But the positivity I have seen today gives me hope. With another day or two of training, we can be much better," he added.

The result left Kenya with six points after five matches, six less than leaders Gabon and four less than second-placed Ivory Coast – the latter still boasting of a match in hand against Burundi who have seven points in third spot of Group F.

Gambia have five points from five matches, while Seychelles who have lost all matches languish at sixth with a goal difference of -23.

Kenya will now shift focus to their next qualifier against Gabon on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium, where McCarthy will be seeking his first win as Harambee Stars boss.