Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is far from giving up on his dream to inspire the team to the 2026 World Cup finals despite dropping points in his first assignment.McCarthy kicked off his tenure with a 3-3 draw against The Gambia in a match staged at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, in Ivory Coast, on Thursday night.The two points dropped certainly complicated the Stars’ chances of closing in on the two top teams in Group F and sealing a World Cup ticket as well.##NAJAVA_MECA_8791977##Stars are placed fourth in the pool with six points, one shy of CECAFA neighbors Burundi, five off the back of African Champions Ivory Coast, and six behind Gabon.The gap between Kenya and either Burundi or Ivory Coast will balloon depending on the outcome between the two teams, which will clash tonight.McCarthy has not been shying from insisting that Kenya has what it takes to get to the World Cup, even when the odds appear to be in favor of Gabon and Ivory Coast.Player Ratings: Benni McCarthy kicks off tenure with spirited draw against GambiaThere were expectations that the South African legend could change his mind following last night’s draw, but he feels the team has a chance.“You will be a fool to give up. I think even the opposing coach will tell you that teams will drop points somewhere down the line. Gambia can beat Ivory Coast as much as they can beat Gabon. Kenya can beat Ivory Coast and Gabon. It is very open,” remarked the former Cape Town City FC coach.Tactical Analysis : How Benni McCarthy’s substitutions transformed Harambee Stars against The GambiaMcCarthy believes that Kenya has enough matches to catch up with the two top teams and sail through.Stars will host Gabon on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium before pausing the qualifiers until September, when they will face the Seychelles and Burundi.“The teams sitting at the top took the opportunity to collect points early. We have five games to go, which means there are many points up on offer. We are hopeful,” he added.
