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Kenya coach Benni McCarthy faces pressure after poor AFCON qualifying start
Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy is facing intense scrutiny following a poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. The Harambee Stars have secured only one point in Group D, following a 1-1 draw against Eritrea in Nairobi and a 1-0 loss to Guinea in Conakry.
Although Kenya has already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament as a co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania, officials and former players are demanding improved performance. Former international Reginald Asibwa has called for urgent crisis meetings, citing the team's regression to a 113th FIFA ranking.
McCarthy's future may be decided during the November 2026 international window, where Kenya is scheduled to face South Africa in two matches on November 11 and November 13. Failure to deliver competitive results in these fixtures could lead to his dismissal.
Entities
Africa Cup of Nations · Benni McCarthy · Harambee Stars · Kenya · South Africa
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Kenya is a co-host for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. tdpelmedia.com · www.thesouthafrican.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Kenya drew 1-1 against Eritrea in Nairobi. tdpelmedia.com · www.thesouthafrican.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kenya has earned one point in Group D of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. tdpelmedia.com · www.thesouthafrican.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kenya's current FIFA ranking is 113th.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kenya is scheduled to play South Africa on November 11 and November 13, 2026. tdpelmedia.com · www.thesouthafrican.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Kenya lost 1-0 to Guinea in Conakry. tdpelmedia.com · www.thesouthafrican.com