Kenya vs Secychelles: Benni McCarthy Warns Harambee Stars Against Complacency Despite Big First-Leg Win

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has stressed that his team will not take Seychelles lightly in their upcoming World Cup qualifier.

Despite Seychelles’ poor run of form, having lost all their matches and sitting bottom of Group F with zero points, Benni McCarthy insists focus is key.

In the first-leg clash, Kenya ran out 5-0 winners at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, with captain Michael Olunga netting twice alongside goals from Masoud Juma, Rooney Onyango, and Benson Omalla.

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Despite that, Benni McCarthy has urged the Harambee Stars to remain sharp and make the most of their chances, warning that Seychelles could raise their game in an effort to cause an upset on home soil.

The former Manchester United attacking coach insisted that their focus is not on Seychelles’ past failures, even following the 4-0 defeat to Gabon.

Benni McCarthy noted that it will all be seen on the day of the match, as Seychelles are also looking to get at least a win or a draw. They have since been eliminated from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Kenya and The Gambia.

“I think in football I have learnt not to underestimate any opponent, no matter the results or previous matches, but it’s what they do on the day of that match. I think we shall try not to buy into the notion that they have played and lost every single game until now,” Benni McCarthy said in a pre-match press conference.

“We don’t want to take it for granted that every team has beaten them by two or three goals, so it will be the same for us. If they come with a different mindset and we adopt the mindset that we should be winning this game, we will only create problems for ourselves.

“We respect every opponent we play against, whether it’s the Ivory Coast or Seychelles. When the match starts, I want my players to be switched on and go for it because we want to rise in our rankings.”

With both teams already out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup race, Benni McCarthy maintains that the qualifier remains crucial for pride, momentum, and climbing the FIFA rankings.

Benni McCarthy has already urged Harambee Stars to treat Seychelles with respect, stay focused, and deliver a performance that restores belief.