Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has called on his team to be more clinical in front of goal when they face Guinea in Conakry on Thursday. McCarthy is demanding a much-improved display after Kenya's disappointing 1-1 draw against Eritrea. He wants his players to show greater attacking purpose, composure, and conviction in the pressure of a challenging away fixture. The team's performance against Eritrea has raised concerns, and McCarthy is urging his players to step up.
Kenya flew out of Nairobi on Tuesday for Conakry, where they will face a Guinea side determined to recover from their 2-1 defeat to South Africa. The Guinean team is eager to get their Group D campaign back on track. Ryan Ogam's late equaliser against Eritrea has placed the forward at the centre of Kenya's attacking plans, with the youngster expected to lead the Stars' frontline against the Syli National. McCarthy will have to consider different combinations for the encounter due to several key players being unavailable.
Michael Olunga remains sidelined with injury, while midfielder Richard Odada is also unavailable. Ben Stanley Omondi has emerged as an attacking threat after playing a key role in the build-up to Ogam's equaliser. Duke Abuya could provide additional creativity in midfield. McCarthy wants Kenya to be more clinical in the final third after they created several opportunities against Eritrea without making them count. He is confident that the team can improve their finishing.
McCarthy expressed confidence in the squad, stating that he highly doubts they will be intimidated in Guinea. The coach wants Kenya to combine defensive discipline with attacking intent, particularly when transitioning quickly after winning possession. He believes that the team dominated the game against Eritrea but failed to turn that into goals. The Harambee Stars will need to be more effective in their attacking play to secure a positive result.
Despite criticism following the Eritrea match, Stade de Reims left-back Manzur Okwaro retains McCarthy's confidence. The coach is backing the youngster to respond on the pitch against Guinea. With several key players unavailable, McCarthy has called on those in the squad to embrace their responsibilities and deliver under pressure. Every player will need to be ready to contribute.
Kenya have already qualified automatically for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania. However, McCarthy insists the qualifiers remain important as the team prepares for the tournament. He believes that being co-hosts does not give them a free pass to relax. Every match in Group D will be played with high intensity and full concentration.
Thursday's clash will give McCarthy another opportunity to assess his squad away from home and gauge how his players respond to the demands of playing in Conakry. The team's goal for this international window is simple: they want maximum points. After the Guinea match, Kenya are scheduled to travel to Kigali for a friendly against Rwanda on October 5. The Harambee Stars will look to build on their recent performance and secure a positive result against Guinea.
Key points
- McCarthy wants Harambee Stars to be more clinical in front of goal against Guinea.
- The team will face a tougher test on home soil against Guinea.
- McCarthy has called on his players to embrace their responsibilities and deliver under pressure.
