Benni McCarthy Explains How He Masterminded Harambee Stars' Five-Star Rout of Seychelles at Kasarani

Kenya’s Harambee Stars bounced back in emphatic fashion at Kasarani Stadium, cruising to a 5-0 win over Seychelles in their latest World Cup qualifier. 

Kenya’s goals came through braces by Ryan Wesley Ogam—who struck in the 7th and 38th minutes—and Captain Michael Olunga, who converted a penalty just before halftime and later added a headed goal in the 66th minute.

The other goal was netted by Collins Sichenje, who scored with a powerful header in the 35th minute, capitalizing on Kenya’s well-executed set pieces and aerial prowess 

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Head coach Benni McCarthy credited the result to his players’ resilience, clinical finishing, and tactical discipline after the disappointment of losing to Gambia.

Speaking to the media after the match, McCarthy admitted it wasn’t easy for his squad to recover from the setback against Gambia, where mistakes proved costly.

"To pick themselves up after the Gambia game wasn’t easy. We prepared really well for that game, but then you make the mistakes we did and you get punished,” McCarthy reflected after the match.

“It’s not the best way to go out, especially when you’re playing at home," the coach reflected.

Against Seychelles, however, the South African tactician insisted the team executed the game plan perfectly.

"Today, I think we did exactly what we set out to do: take the game to them, don’t make it easy from the first minute. When we create chances, be a bit more ruthless and clinical in front of goal," he said.

McCarthy revealed set pieces had been a major focus in training, with Kenya exploiting Seychelles’ lack of height.

"We also worked quite a bit on set pieces yesterday. We knew their team wasn’t the tallest, so if we put the balls in the right areas, we could get some joy — but we had to be ruthless in front of goal," he explained.

The coach praised his players for their sharp start, which produced four first-half goals, and for maintaining professionalism throughout the contest.

"To score four goals in the first half, I’m pleased for the players who got on the scoresheet. But overall, the way we played was very professional. We didn’t take it for granted, even knowing this team maybe isn’t as strong or as competitive as Gambia," McCarthy noted.

Comparing Seychelles to Madagascar, who dumped them out of the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) on home soil, , he warned against complacency, stressing the need to respect all opponents.

"They’re similar to Madagascar — good individual players with quality, and if you’re not careful, they can hurt you."

With the victory marking one of Kenya’s biggest in recent years, McCarthy expressed satisfaction at how his players rose to the occasion.

"I think everybody stood tall, picked themselves up well, and scored five goals. I’m not sure when the last time Kenya scored five goals was, but it’s nice for the players. 

“It’s a good way to finish, head back to their clubs, reflect on this, and then regroup in October. We’ll go again, but now we’ve got something positive to build on," he concluded.

The win leaves Harambee Stars in strong spirits as they turn their focus to the next round of World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Burundi.