McCarthy sets target for Kenya ahead of 2027 AFCON

With Kenya national team not participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for Morocco in December, coach Benni McCarthy has already shifted focus to the 2027 AFCON to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

After successfully hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Kenya will get another opportunity to parade in AFCON by virtue of being a host nation. During the CHAN tournament, Kenya reached the knockout stages on their first attempt after leading their group which had CHAN winners Morocco and DR Congo.

However, their journey ended in the knockout stages after losing to Madagascar on penalties. McCarthy also helped Kennya to finish fourth in World Cup qualifiers in a group that included Ivory Coast, and Gabon. The South African legend, has now shifted focus to the 2027 AFCON setting a target of a semifinal spot for Harambee Stars.

‘The main goal is the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations’

“So we’ve got brand new stadiums that have been built. We’ve got so many positive things happening. So yeah, you want to start building for the 2027 AFCON and the success that we had over Chan with all the local players, you want to build on from there,” said McCarthy as quoted by Pulse Sports.

“Now the country has become united, and they are behind the national team. Come 2027, you don’t just host the tournament and participate, but you are actually setting a strong claim for getting to the quarterfinals, semifinals, or even getting to a final. So I have two years now to build a really proper, strong Kenyan national team.”

McCarthy added: “I can take the opportunity now to integrate new players into the squad and give them a taste of the international football World Cup qualifiers. But the main goal is the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Kenya is the host of the tournament.”

The former Manchester United assistant coach is currently preparing for the upcoming friendly matches against Madagascar and Comoros in Antalya, Turkey.