Kenya’s hopes of winning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations have been met with a dose of reality from Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, who believes the national team is not ready to challenge Africa’s football gian
Speaking ahead of next year’s continental tournament, said that even a massive financial investment would not immediately transform Kenya into winning AFCON. The South African tactician argued that Kenya currently lacks the depth, resources and experience required to compete with established countries like Morocco, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.

“Even if you were to pay me millions and millions of dollars to win AFCON, I don't think Kenya has the resources and the team strong enough to compete with Morocco, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal,” McCarthy said.

A wake up call for Harambee Stars
McCarthy's comments comes at a crucial time for Kenyan football. Kenya will co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania, giving Harambee Stars a rare opportunity to compete at the continent's biggest football tournament on home soil.

However, the coach does not want to give Kenyans false hopes. McCarthy believes Kenya should focus on building a competitive team capable of competing beyond the group stage and gradually closing the gap with Africa's elite.

He however acknowledged that Kenya can eventually win AFCON but said such an achievement is unlikely in the near future. He added that a sustained development programme could put Kenya in genuine contention in the future.

Can Harambee Stars compete with Africa’s Elite?
The difference between Kenya and Africa's traditional football giant is not simply about money. According to McCarthy, it is also about the quality and depth of players available to national team.

Countries such as Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire have large pools of players competing in some of the world's strongest leagues. Kenya, however, is still developing a generation capable of consistentlycompeting at that level.

McCarthy nevertheless sees reasons for optimism. A number of young Kenyan players are now gaining experience abroad, while established figures such as captain Michael Olunga continue to provide leadership and experience.

The coach's latest squad also reflects an attempt to blend experienced internationals talents with emerging talent from Kenya and overseas leagues.

Beyond AFCON 2027
Although Kenya is already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as a co-host, the team's ongoing qualifying matches provide valuable competitive preparation.

Harambee Stars opened their qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea in Conakry. The results have highlighted some of the difficulties McCarthy faces as he attempts to build a stronger national team.

For McCarthy, however, the 2027 tournament should be viewed as part of preparation and foundation for future Kenyan football.

Harambee stars head coach McCarthy during a press conference | Photo: Rogers Ndecha pulse sport

His ambition is for Kenya and the other East African hosts to make an impact, progress beyond the group stages and use the tournament to gain experience against the continent's strongest teams. He has suggested that genuinely challenging for the AFCON trophy could take several more years.

The truth hurts
McCarthy's comments are likely to divide Kenyan football fans. Some supporters may view his assessment as unnecessarily pessimistic, especially with Kenya preparing to host AFCON in front of home supporters.

Others may see it as an honest assessment of the current state of Kenyan football.

The former South Africa international appears to be calling for patience from Kenyan football fans. His argument is that money alone cannot create an elite national team. Kenya needs stronger football structures, consistent investment in youth development, competitive domestic football and more players gaining experience at the highest level.

For Harambee Stars, therefore, AFCON 2027 may not necessarily be about lifting the trophy. It could instead represent an opportunity to establish a foundation for a team capable of competing for continental honor’s in the future.

As Kenya prepares to welcome Africa's football giants, McCarthy's message is clear: the dream of winning AFCON should remain alive, but building a team capable of achieving it will take time, development and patience.