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Benni McCarthy has voiced concerns over the team's first-time experience on Burundi's synthetic turf ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifier.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has shared his major worry ahead of their World Cup qualifier clash against Burundi’s Swallows at the Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura on Thursday, October 9 evening.
In the first leg, Harambee Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by the Swallows, with Benni McCarthy hoping for a full point haul in the return fixture.
Duke Abuya had put Harambee Stars ahead in the 72nd minute, only for Mike Sudi Abdallah to equalise in the 85th.
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06:19 - 09.10.2025
Burundi vs Kenya: Swallows Drop Strong Message Ahead of High-Stakes Clash with Harambee Stars
Burundi coach Patrick Sangwa has delivered a confident message as the Swallows gear up for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Kenya's Harambee Stars.
However, Benni McCarthy has highlighted another major challenge, aside from injury concerns from Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, Alpha Onyango, and Rooney Onyango, that might slow down their chances of making a mark.
Benni McCarthy: We Know It’s Going to Be A Very Difficult Match
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Benni McCarthy noted that it will be Harambee Stars’ first time playing at the Intwari Stadium, which features an artificial (synthetic) turf.
While expressing concern about adapting to the surface, the former Manchester United attacking coach insisted the team will give their all.
Benni McCarthy highlighted that securing six points from their upcoming matches against Burundi and the Ivory Coast would boost the team’s standards.
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20:51 - 08.10.2025
Burundi and Kenya renew their fierce East African rivalry in Bujumbura, with both sides fighting for pride and crucial FIFA ranking points despite being out of World Cup contention.
He acknowledged that the game will be challenging but emphasised that the Harambee Stars understand what is at stake and are prepared to work tirelessly to come out on top.
“We know it’s going to be a very tough, very difficult match, a different experience for most of us, because I think it will be the first time we play on a surface like this. For the players, it will be different from what we’re used to, but we are here to play the best football that we can, and we are going to work hard,” Benni McCarthy said in a pre-match press conference.
“We know we have two World Cup qualifiers and six points are on offer, and we don’t come here because we’ve just come to honour the match, but we’re here to win and winning for us is a big deal.
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18:21 - 08.10.2025
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo has explained how CHAN 2024 has changed Kenyan football, and why Gor Mahia are lucky to have Byrne Omondi.
“We need to finish on a higher level in this tough group because it will be a step in the right direction. Burundi has done well to be in the place they are right now, and the best team will win. Hopefully it will be us.”
Despite the unfamiliar playing surface and a tough challenge from Burundi, Benni McCarthy is confident that Harambee Stars will give their all, aiming to secure maximum points and finish the group on a high note.