Benni McCarthy admits Kenya are unlikely to win Africa Cup of Nations

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy says the Harambee Stars do not currently have the resources or squad strength to compete with Africa’s leading nations for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kenya have gone three matches without a victory, with growing frustration among supporters following their 1-1 home draw with Eritrea in an AFCON qualifier.

Their latest result was a goalless draw with Rwanda in a friendly, after an international break affected by off-field issues surrounding McCarthy’s team.

The former Bafana Bafana striker acknowledged that those problems could be contributing to Kenya’s struggles. He has previously identified the standard of the domestic league as one factor, while also saying he and his technical staff cannot remain in Kenya because they do not have the necessary papers to stay there.

McCarthy was asked about Kenya’s prospects of winning AFCON after the draw with Rwanda, and gave a frank assessment of the team’s chances.

“Even if you were to pay me millions and millions of dollars to win AFCON, I don’t think Kenya has the resources and a strong enough team to compete with Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Ivory Coast,” he told the media.

“Those are powerhouses, Guinea can also you know [win it] they have fantastic players. Those are the powerhouses in African football.

“So for us to think that Kenya could win the AFCON, it’s not impossible but it’s highly likely that we will not make it.”

McCarthy’s comments come as Kenya continue to struggle for consistency, with the draw against Eritrea provoking a backlash from supporters.

The coach’s concerns extend beyond his players’ performances, with the standard of the Kenyan league and the practical difficulties facing his technical team both highlighted as issues affecting the national side.

Kenya’s recent run of results and the problems around the team have increased pressure on McCarthy, who has now made clear that he does not believe the Harambee Stars are ready to challenge the continent’s established powers.