FIFA Series: Benni McCarthy praises Kenya despite Estonia defeat

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy was left impressed with the performance of Harambee Stars despite losing to Estonia in their FIFA Series match on Friday.

After conceding in the first half, Kenya recovered in the second to draw level courtesy of Ryan Ogam to take the game into penalties.

End of 90 minutes

Straight to penalties

🇰🇪 1-1 🇪🇪#FIFAseries #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/4sP9E2o29j

— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) March 27, 2026

However, Kenya wasted two penalties from Richard Odada and Mohammed Bajaber to lose the game. Kenya scored four penalties to lose 4-5. Speaking after the game, McCarthy said he was impressed with the team’s performance despite the defeat.

Kenya making progress in right direction

“Estonia is a team that played against Italy, faced Haaland with Norway, while we are a small African country. We are making progress in the right direction, and that is all I want for my team to be ready for the 2027 AFCON,” said McCarthy.

“To lose on penalties shows that the effort, maturity and composure that the boys showed to compete was good.

“I learnt that the team has good character and personality because in the first half, we were nervous, but in the second half, we showed that this is Africa and dominated. We just need to do that from the first whistle.”

Kenya will face Grenada in the third-place

McCarthy added: “I knew we could play better and at half time, I told them that we needed more movement on the ball because in the second half.

Scenes from our goal against Estonia

Zech ➕ Ogam = 🤌🔥#FIFAseries #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/JP0ItSzS8r

— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) March 27, 2026

“We knew they would get tired owing to where they came from and the space would open up for us. In the second half, we were by far the best team; moved the ball well and scored an equalizer.”

He concluded: “We could have won it twice through Lawrence and the goal line clearance. For penalties, it is a lottery, and we do not have to base our fortunes on penalties as we saw even in CHAN.”

Kenya will face Grenada in the third-place playoff after the latter suffered a 4-0 defeat against Rwanda at the same venue.

The 2026 edition of this initiative will feature 48 national teams – representing almost a quarter of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations – competing in 12 groups of four teams each.

Kenya are using the Series as part of their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will host the 36th edition from June 19th to July 18th.