AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Benni McCarthy tells critics to ‘shut up’ over Kenya goalkeeper decision after 1-1 with Eritrea

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has launched a passionate defence of goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, insisting he will remain the Harambee Stars’ first-choice despite criticism following their opening draw in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The hosts were held to a 1-1 draw by Eritrea at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, leaving Omondi under scrutiny after conceding in the first half.

McCarthy, however, made it clear he has no intention of changing his goalkeeper, dismissing the criticism in emphatic fashion and pointing to his own experience at the highest level of football.

“If you have played in the Champions League final and won it, you know football,” McCarthy said after the game.

“If you haven’t, then shut up.”

The former South Africa striker, who won the UEFA Champions League with Porto in 2004, said his faith in Omondi remains unwavering despite the reaction to the result.

Kenya found themselves trailing when Nahom Girmai Netabay gave Eritrea the lead in the 36th minute, silencing the home crowd in the Group qualifier.

The Harambee Stars struggled to find a breakthrough for much of the contest before Ryan Ogam struck in the 87th minute to salvage a point and prevent an opening defeat in Nairobi.

While the late equaliser spared Kenya from losing their first qualifier, attention quickly turned to Omondi’s performance, with sections of supporters questioning whether McCarthy should make a change between the posts.

The coach swiftly rejected that suggestion.

The 48-year-old maintained that Omondi continues to have his full backing and suggested that criticism from outside the camp would not influence his selection decisions.

His defence of the goalkeeper also underlined his broader message that experience and trust remain central to his approach as Kenya pursue qualification for the 2027 finals.

The draw leaves Kenya searching for a stronger performance in their second qualifier as they look to build momentum in Group competition.

Their next assignment is a difficult away trip to face Guinea at the Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

The fixture represents an early test of McCarthy’s side, who are aiming to strengthen their qualifying campaign before attention eventually turns to the finals.

Kenya will enjoy home advantage on the continental stage in 2027, when they co-host the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.