McCarthy promises Bafana ‘a lot of trouble’ despite draw with Eritrea after ‘zero training’

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy is confident Harambee Stars will give Bafana Bafana ‘a lot of trouble’ when they meet in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

On Saturday, wasteful Kenya needed an 87th minute strike from Ryan Ogam – thanks to a well worked assist from Ben Stanley Omondi, to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw with Eritrea.

The visitors took the lead against a run of play in the 36th minute as a swift counter attack ended with Al Masry’s Ali Sulieman setting up Nahom Netabay who did no mistake from about 20 yards out.

Kenya, who had rough preparations as players staged a go-slow owing to unpaid allowances, had many chances to get maximum points at Nyayo Stadium but lacked composure when it mattered most.

We had zero training, but…

South Africa top group D with maximum points as Pitso Mosimane started his reign with a 2-1 home win over Guinea at the Orlando Stadium.

“We gave the fans what they came to see. Very entertaining but lacked killer instinct. I liked what I saw but unlucky to take three points,” Coach Benni McCarthy told Afrik-Foot after the game. Lack of preparations, owing to the disputes [between the players and the Federation] that affected us. We had no training sessions. I have to thank the players… they looked sharp.

“If we sort out the problems we have had and have even two sessions no hiding [will come against Guinea]. We had zero training sessions and we performed like that, it will be better away.

“We will give South Africa and Guinea a lot of trouble based on what we saw today,” Benni concluded.

On Thursday, Kenya will be away to the National Elephants of Guinea hoping for a positive outing.