Benni McCarthy: Can Harambee Stars Really Deliver at AFCON 2027?
South African football legend Benni McCarthy has emphasized the need for realism among Kenyan fans as excitement grows ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The prospect of hosting the continental tournament has fueled optimism among fans, but the Harambee Stars head coach believes expectations must align with the current state of the team.
Kenya’s automatic qualification as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania has placed the national team under increased scrutiny.
Steady Progress Signals Promise for Harambee Stars
Since taking charge, McCarthy has overseen visible improvements in the team’s performances and structure. A standout moment came during the African Nations Championship (CHAN), where Harambee Stars surprised many by reaching the quarterfinals.
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Placed in a challenging group that included Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, Kenya rose to the occasion. The team finished top of the group unbeaten, conceding just one goal while securing disciplined victories against stronger opponents.
Although their campaign ended in a penalty shootout loss to Madagascar, the performance demonstrated clear tactical growth and resilience. A third-place finish in the 2026 FIFA Series further highlighted the team’s upward trajectory.
Despite these gains, McCarthy has pointed out that Kenya is still developing compared to Africa’s elite footballing nations. Many players remain based in the domestic league, which lacks the competitiveness of more established leagues across the continent.
AFCON Expectations Must Reflect Competitive Reality
As anticipation builds toward AFCON 2027, some fans have expressed hopes of a semi-final finish. McCarthy, however, has strongly dismissed such expectations, stressing that they fail to consider the level of competition Kenya will face.
“What did they do in their life that they want to come and make demands. If only they knew what it takes to win. So I don’t have time for ignorant and stupid people who don’t know what it is to manage,” he said as first reported by Kickoff.Com
His remarks highlight the significant gap between Kenya and top teams such as Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and South Africa, all of whom boast stronger leagues and deeper squads.
McCarthy has instead suggested that progressing beyond the group stage would be a realistic and meaningful target for Harambee Stars.
“You can’t be too ambitious and think, ‘Hey, I want to reach the semi-final’. Who are you going to beat to get there? Imagine you get Bafana Bafana or the Ivory Coast. The top two go through. Where are you going to finish? I have been in the game long enough.”
The former Manchester United coach, who worked under Erik ten Hag, took the Kenya job with a long-term vision in mind. For him, the opportunity to build a competitive national team ahead of a home AFCON was a challenge worth embracing.
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Ultimately, McCarthy’s message centers on balance, encouraging ambition while recognizing the realities of African football.
