This article discusses the dramatic start of Benni McCarthy as Kenya’s coach in a 3-3 draw against Gambia, alongside notable performances from other African teams in the World Cup qualifiers, including wins by Cape Verde, Mozambique, and Benin, as well as implications for the group standings.
Benni McCarthy’s inaugural match as the head coach for the Kenyan national football team showcased a dramatic encounter, starting with a 3-3 draw against Gambia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier held in Abidjan. Currently, the Harambe Stars occupy the fourth position in Group F, trailing behind Burundi, Ivory Coast, and Gabon, requiring substantial efforts to improve their standings.
In other qualifiers, several underdog teams notably ascended to the top of their respective groups. Cape Verde leads Group D after securing a 1-0 victory over Mauritius, bolstered by a late goal from Yannick Semedo. Similarly, Mozambique achieved a convincing 3-1 win against Uganda, benefiting from two errors by Ismail Watenga and a red card issued to Denis Omedi, placing them first in Group G.
Benin, although jittery, managed to secure the top spot in Group C despite squandering a two-goal advantage against Zimbabwe. Steve Mounie and Francisco Doku’s contributions were pivotal, yet Zimbabwe’s Knowledge Musona nearly turned the tide until his effort was thwarted by Benin’s goalkeeper, Marcel Dandjinou.
Kenya’s last-minute equalizer came courtesy of new player William Wilson, who scored during additional time, marking a promising beginning for Coach McCarthy. Gabon continues to lead Group F following a 3-0 victory over the Seychelles, driven by Denis Bouanga’s impressive double.
In Group H, Namibia triumphed over Malawi with a 1-0 victory, fueling their pursuit of leaders Tunisia, who remain two points ahead after a win against Liberia. Additionally, Sierra Leone celebrates their first win of the qualifiers under new coach Mohamed Kallon, defeating Guinea Bissau 3-1 in Monrovia. The African qualifying campaigns will resume with 11 more matches slated for Friday.
In summary, Benni McCarthy’s tenure as Kenya’s coach began with an exhilarating draw against Gambia, highlighting the potential of the Harambe Stars amid a competitive group landscape. Other African nations also showcased their footballing prowess, with several teams like Cape Verde and Mozambique rising to prominence through noteworthy victories. With more qualifiers ahead, the race for a place in the 2026 World Cup strengthens across the continent, underscoring the excitement and unpredictability of African football.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
