Despite falling short against Gabon, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy was left impressed with the support Kenyans offered the team.The South African tactician hailed the incredible turnout witnessed at the Nyayo National Stadium, where thousands of fans showed up to back the team in the 2026 World Cup qualifier match.The facility was filled thanks to the online sale of tickets and the fact that the team was playing its first competitive game on home soil since November 2021.##NAJAVA_MECA_8804115##Speaking after the match, McCarthy admitted that he had never witnessed such a passionate crowd even in Europe where he has served both, as a player and a coach.”We are grateful for the support the people of Kenya gave us by coming out in numbers to cheer the team. Wow, this was the most memorable experience even in my career in Europe, I never witnessed something like this,” said the tactician.5 key battles lost against Gabon that dented Harambee Stars’ World Cup hopesHe urged other African nations to take inspiration from Harambee Stars’ supporters, emphasizing the importance of such unity and enthusiasm in growing the game on the continent.”This was massive, and this is what Africa as a continent should be. It was simply beautiful,” he remarked.Kenya fell 2-1 to Gabon, with former Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netting twice to dent the Stars’ World Cup qualification hopes.Kenyans back Benni McCarthy after his first Harambee Stars loss against GabonMcCarthy, managing only his second game in charge, expressed disappointment in the result, but reassured fans that the team would fight to redeem itself.”It was unfortunate we could not give the fans the joy of a victory, but we promise we will improve. They will have a team to be proud of,” promised the former Cape Town City FC manager.With four matches left in Group F, Harambee Stars will have to push for maximum points to keep their World Cup dream alive.
