Benni McCarthy is facing mounting pressure as Kenya’s head coach, with his position potentially at risk before he gets the chance to face South Africa in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.
The former Bafana Bafana striker has endured a difficult start to Kenya’s qualifying campaign, with the Harambee Stars managing just one point from their opening matches in Group D.
Poor Results Put McCarthy Under Pressure
Kenya’s recent results have intensified questions around McCarthy’s tenure. The East Africans were held to a disappointing draw by Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea in their latest qualifying fixture.
The results have left Kenya struggling near the bottom of the group and increased scrutiny on McCarthy, who took charge of the national side with expectations of building a competitive team ahead of the continental tournament.
Automatic AFCON Qualification Offers Little Relief
Kenya’s position in the qualifying standings will not determine whether they participate in the 2027 AFCON because the country is one of the tournament’s co-hosts and has already secured automatic qualification.
That safety net, however, has not removed the pressure on McCarthy.
Kenyan football authorities will still expect the national team to show progress and competitiveness before the tournament, particularly with the country preparing to stage the competition on home soil.
South Africa Clash Could Become Crucial
McCarthy’s next major test will come against South Africa during the November international window.
Kenya are scheduled to face Bafana Bafana on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, before the two teams meet again two days later on Friday, 13 November.
The fixtures will give McCarthy an opportunity to respond to the criticism surrounding his tenure, but they could also increase scrutiny if Kenya fails to produce improved performances.
Bafana’s Egypt Result Could Add More Pressure
South Africa’s position heading into the November fixtures could also influence the significance of the encounters.
Bafana Bafana are due to face Egypt on Sunday, and a positive result against the Pharaohs would strengthen their position in Group D while potentially raising expectations ahead of the meetings with Kenya.
For McCarthy, that could make the November double-header an even more demanding examination.
First National Team Job Faces Early Test
The Kenya position is McCarthy’s first senior national-team head coaching role after a playing career that included spells at the highest level, including FC Porto.
He will now have to demonstrate that he can quickly turn inconsistent results into performances capable of satisfying Kenyan football officials and supporters.
Although Kenya are guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON, the team’s form remains important as preparations for the tournament continue.
McCarthy Must Find a Response Quickly
With the November fixtures approaching, McCarthy has limited time to change the narrative surrounding his tenure.
The two matches against South Africa could provide a chance to demonstrate progress, but they will also place his results and tactical decisions under an even brighter spotlight.
Whether McCarthy remains in charge through to the 2027 AFCON could depend on how Kenya responds in the coming weeks and whether the coach can convince those in charge that his project is moving in the right direction.
