“We Won’t Lose 8-0”: Benni McCarthy Fires Warning Ahead of Bafana Bafana Showdown
Kenya national team coach Benni McCarthy says his side will fight to avoid another embarrassing heavy defeat when they face South Africa in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Harambee Stars were drawn alongside Bafana Bafana, Guinea and Eritrea in Group D during the AFCON qualifying draw, setting up an emotional reunion for McCarthy against his home country.
Although Kenya will co-host the 2027 tournament together with Uganda and Tanzania, the East African nation will still participate in the qualifiers as part of preparations for the continental showpiece.
Also Read: Benni McCarthy Set for South Africa Reunion in AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
McCarthy Admits Bafana Challenge Will Be Difficult
The former South African striker acknowledged the difficult task awaiting his team, describing South Africa as favourites to top the group.
Speaking in an interview with Pulse Sports Kenya, McCarthy admitted facing Bafana would be emotional because of his strong ties to South African football.
“We will do our best – we are most definitely targeting getting out of the group stages. And if we face Bafana Bafana, it will be tough, it will be really hard because for me, my heart is with Bafana.
“But of course, as a coach, you want to do the job for the country that you work for. So yeah, I want to do well, but I know it will be almost impossible for us,” said McCarthy.
Kenya Looking to Build Competitive Squad
The 48-year-old coach believes the qualifying campaign will offer Kenya an important opportunity to improve ahead of hosting the AFCON finals.
McCarthy said South Africa currently operates at a higher football standard than Kenya, but insisted organisation and determination could still help his side compete.
“This is because the standard in South Africa is a much higher standard than in Kenya. But as I said, sometimes it’s not about how high your standards are,” he explained.
“It will be about the will power and how good and organised your teams are. And I think my team is pretty organised, and they will give everything.”
Determined to Avoid Another Heavy Defeat
McCarthy also referenced Kenya’s painful 8-0 loss to Senegal, making it clear that his current squad is determined not to suffer a similar humiliation again.
“We definitely won’t lose 8-0 like we did against Senegal,” he added.
The qualifiers are expected to provide McCarthy with a clearer picture of the players he can rely on as Kenya continues preparations for hosting Africa’s biggest football tournament in 2027.
The post “We Won’t Lose 8-0”: Benni McCarthy Fires Warning Ahead of Bafana Bafana Showdown appeared first on iHarare News.
