Harambee Stars: Benni McCarthy Attends Gor Mahia vs Kariobangi Sharks Game
- Benni McCarthy got straight down to business a few days after he was confirmed as the new head coach of Harambee Stars
- McCarthy was spotted at the Dandora Stadium on Wednesday afternoon as he followed the game between Gor Mahia and Kariobangi Sharks
- Austine Odhiambo netted twice, including a delicious free-kick, to put Sirkal back into the title race conversation
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New Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has hit the ground running just a few hours after he was appointed to his new position.
McCarthy was handed a two-year contract which will see him take charge of the men's national team until after the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations to be held on home soil.
Source: UGC
Which game did Benni McCarthy watch?
The South African international wasted no time in familiarising himself with the local game. On Wednesday afternoon, he was spotted at the Dandora Stadium in Nairobi for a FKF Premier League match.
The former Amazulu manager had a front row seat as Gor Mahia beat Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 to firmly put themselves back into the title race conversation.
McCarthy was flanked by Francis Kimanzi, who was the interim coach before his arrival. Also present was FKF Deputy President McDonald Mariga.
Austine Odhiambo stars for Gor Mahia vs Kariobangi Sharks
Fortune Omoto gave Sharks the lead in the 26th minute, but it was all Gor Mahia after that, with Alpha Onyango restoring parity in stoppage time.
Reigning league MVP Austine Odhiambo showed the new head coach his class in the second-half, scoring a beautiful free-kick to give K'Ogalo the lead for the first time. He then scored from the spot to create a buffer for the Green Army.
Odhiambo is certainly likely to be one of the players who will feature heavily under McCarthy. He earned his national debut under former coach Engin Firat but the Turkish tactician didn't give him as much minutes as fans wanted.
"I want to say Austin is a special player. He scored a brace for us and he was consistent throughout the match. I am so much impressed with his determination," said Gor Mahia coach Mihic.
"We surely missed him in our previous matches and you could see the synergy he brought to the team. All our players are good, save for a few tactical issues which we shall address. We were caught in offside positions on several occasions, and that was not so good for us"
Benni McCarthy's first assignment
The 47-year-old will soon name his first squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers away to The Gambia and at home to Gabon.
"Playing in the World Cup is one of the most special feelings in the world, and I want to give that experience to the players. With the right mindset, dedication, and a willingness to learn and give everything for the cause, I believe we can still surprise many by qualifying for the World Cup," he said after his unveiling ceremony.
Kenya is fourth in Group with five points from four games.
Source: Twitter
FKF Kenya Premier League table
The win over Sharks took Sinisa Mihic's boys to 39 points, two behind Tusker FC and three behind leaders Kenya Police. Gor have however played a game less than the first two, opening up the prospect of a three-horse race as the season enters its business stage.
The record champions play Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) while Tusker have a date with Bidco United. Police face Posta Rangers.
Gor Mahia are yet to play AFC Leopards this season due to the continued lack of a proper venue to host the high-stakes Mashemeji derby.
"The decision follows the inability of the designated home team to secure a suitable venue for the match. Nyayo National Stadium and MISC Kasarani, the primary venues for such high-profile fixtures, remain unavailable due to ongoing renovations in preparation for the CHAN tournament set for August," read a statement from FKF.
Benni McCarthy’s titles and achievements
TUKO.co.ke has also reported about Benni McCarthy’s titles and achievements both as a player and a coach. McCarthy won the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto in 2004 under Jose Mourinho.
He was also the Primeira Liga top scorer and remains South Africa’s all-time leading goal scorer with 31 goals.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
