Harambee Stars coach warns against underestimating opponents ahead of Kenya vs Seychelles game
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 9, 2025Kenya’s Harambee Stars will line up against Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in their final Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Kasarani Stadium. The game may be a dead rubber, but head coach Benni McCarthy has stressed that it remains an important test for his players.
The Stars’ qualification hopes ended last Friday after a 3-1 defeat to Gambia at the same venue. That loss sealed Kenya’s fate, leaving them out of contention for next year’s expanded World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Despite the disappointment, McCarthy wants his squad to close this phase on a high note and build momentum for the next round of qualifiers, which begins in October 2025.
Reflecting on the defeat to Gambia, McCarthy admitted the team had made costly errors. He explained that both individual and collective mistakes proved decisive in a match where the Scorpions punished every lapse. However, he maintained that his players have learned their lessons and are ready to correct those issues against Seychelles.
“I think in football I’ve learned not to underestimate any opponent,” McCarthy said. “No matter what their results or previous matches shown but it’s what they do on the day of that match.”
The coach is expected to make a few changes to his starting eleven. Defender Abud Omar will miss the match through suspension, while young centre-back Alphonse Omija is unavailable as he pursues a professional contract in Tunisia. Otherwise, McCarthy has a full squad to choose from and will look to blend consistency with fresh energy.
Olunga eyes scoring record
Kenya captain Michael Olunga has extra motivation heading into the match. The Al-Arabi striker is just four goals away from overtaking William Ouma as the country’s all-time leading scorer. Olunga, who already has 32 international goals, knows that Seychelles’ leaky defence offers a chance to add to his tally. The island nation have conceded 34 goals in seven group matches and remain winless.
Olunga admitted the loss to Gambia was painful and apologised to fans for the missed opportunity. Nevertheless, he insisted the Seychelles clash provides a chance to restore confidence.
“We need to minimise our mistakes,” Olunga said. “It is important to bounce back quickly, not just for the points but also for our pride and preparation for the future.”
Forward William Lenkupae echoed his captain’s words, stressing the need for professionalism.
“Nothing changes in how we prepare,” he said. “We go with the same mentality. We need to win you know you’re eating right sleeping right training right the right attitude to go on and play international football because you never know who’s watching you never you never know what can happen when you play a game no matter who the opponent is,”
Kick-off at Kasarani is set for 4:00 pm. While the result will not alter the group standings, McCarthy and his players are treating the match as more than a formality. For Kenya, it is about respect for the badge, sharpening the squad, and giving fans a performance that restores belief after a bruising campaign.