Harambee Stars Benni McCarthy has tipped the home support to play a crucial factor in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier clash against Gabon.

The coach has been quick to shift focus to the next assignment with Gabon Panthers expected in town for Sunday, March 23 clash.

In what promises to go down as a historic day for Kenyan football, Kenyans are set to enjoy the luxury of watching the Harambee Stars at home as a refurbished Nyayo stadium hosts its first continental tie following a long hiatus that saw Kenya forced to host its games outside the country for lack of FIFA approved stadium.

“We are travelling back for recovery. Saturday matchday minus one training session then going against Gabon, a team sitting second in the group,” he said.

The coach has predicted a tough match against the West African team which boasts the likes of former EPL striker Pierre Aubameyang and Dennis Bouanga in their ranks among others.

“It will be tough but we play in Kenya finally and we will have support from all Kenyans. As much it was a very empty stadium with both teams not having the luxury of home fans. The handful of Kenyans who came made incredible noise and if we can have that a hundred times in Kenya we will be okay against Gabon,” he said.

Team changes

“I’m happy with the lots of progress and the positivity I have seen gives me hope that in a day or two we can squeeze in until the next game against Gabon; we can go one step better than today,” he stated.

Ahead of the showdown, McCarty has hinted at team rotation which could see new players handed starting berths.

“The energy and performance(from the Gambia game) took a lot from them we are happy and proud of them. For Sunday it’s about trying to recover as best as we can. I have to trust whatever player I have available,” he said.

“The first team was players with respected players in Europe. I don’t think many will be available and ready for Sunday as I would want to. So will have to rely on the bench and players who didn’t get the opportunity to play and those who came from the bench and brought a lot of energy. Two of them got on the score sheet. They are all capable of giving us a performance,” he added.

The Gabon clash on Sunday, March 23, 2025 will start at 4PM.