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Coach Benni McCarthy blamed Kenya’s slow start for the semifinal defeat. “We began very lackluster and had to fight back for the equalizer. In the second half, we started getting momentum. I told the boys we weren’t playing with the desire I know we can. We needed more movement off the ball, getting into spaces to make the opposition work and tire themselves out. In the second half, we were by far the better team and scored the equalizer. We could have won, especially with the chances Lawrence Okoth and Mohammed Bajaber created,” he said.
While fans have expressed disappointment over the outcome, FKF President Hussein Mohammed hailed the team’s performance. “That was a good display from the Harambee Stars. Let’s now shift our focus to the third-place playoff,” he posted on social media.
Kenya’s squad faces an injury concern ahead of the playoff.
Job Ochieng, forced off in the first half against Estonia, is unlikely to play, with Ben Stanley, who replaced him, expected to start.
Players who did not feature in the semifinal, including Duke Abuya, Alpha Onyango, Mike Kibwage, and Clarke Oduor, could see action in the final day in Kigali.
McCarthy also emphasised that the FIFA Series is a vital part of preparations for AFCON 2027, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. “By the time AFCON 2027 comes, all the experience we gain from tournaments like the FIFA Series and upcoming international friendlies will help us grow as a team and as individuals,” he said.
He added that the team is focused on progressive growth rather than immediate results.
“When 2027 comes, I want to hear my team say we are targeting to win three out of four group-stage games and qualify for the next stages. For now, it’s all about improving, getting better, and learning from every experience we encounter.”
Harambee Stars squad in Kigali
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno
Defenders: Manzur Okwaro, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Mike Kibwage, Frank Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango, Daniel Sakari
Midfielders: Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Richard Odada, Chrispine Erambo, Austine Odhiambo, Will Lenkupae, Mohammed Bajaber
Forwards: Job Ochieng, Zech Obiero, Clarke Oduor, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth, Ben Stanley
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