Three-match winless run clouds McCarthy's rebuilding plan

Harambee Stars midfielder Alpha Onyango (C) in action against Chad on June 7, 2025. [Courtesy, Harambee__Stars]

"Kenya should have won this match..."

That is the statement from most disappointed fans after  Harambee Stars drew 0-0 against Chad in an international friendly match played at the Marrakech Annex in Morocco last Saturday.

Chad is ranked 177th according to the latest FIFA rankings, while Kenya is 111th.

That is 66 places behind Kenya, who, when South African legend Benni McCarthy took over the reins at Harambee Stars technical bench, many believed Kenya had finally received the solution to their national team football problems.

The former Manchester United first team coach breathed new life into a dying fan base who were giving up on the red and white, their belief killed by ex-coach Engin Firat, who completely sent Harambee Stars to the mud.

Harambee Stars striker Moses Shumah (C) in action against Chad. [Harambee Stars, X]

However, three months into his new role, Kenyans are still left with disappointment after the South African failed to win a match after three rounds of ties.

McCarthy began his reign with a promising 3-3 draw against Gambia on March 20, a World Cup qualifier that displayed a commendable never-say-die spirit when the team came from 2-0 down to secure a point in the draw.

Victory hopes were shattered on March 23 when Gabon stunned a fully packed Nyayo Stadium with a 2-1 win.

Against Chad over the weekend, many expected more from McCarthy and the team.

South African legend Benni McCarthy after his unveiling as Harambee Stars coach. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

A draw feels like a win for Chad, given the 66-place gap. Kenya likely underperformed, as friendlies allow experimentation, but their higher-ranking set expectations.

Kenya's football standards surpass Chad's, with better recent form and infrastructure, while Chad struggles.

In an encounter that forms part of Kenya’s preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), many are left wondering if indeed the locally and continentally based players with an experienced coach have what it takes to shine.

Not even the return of South Africa-based defender Brian Mandela, who captained the side, was enough to inspire the team to victory.

A football fan, Festus Musyoka, posted, “Under-performance,” while Jimmy Otieno said, “My opinion is good game. You need to improve on finishing and urgency. Good game.”

Many will await to see how the team performs in their rematch.