Benni McCarthy targets historic AFCON 2027 breakthrough for Kenya

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has laid out his ambitions for Harambee Stars ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament set to make history as the first to be co-hosted by three East African nations – Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania – from June 19 to July 18.

The 36th edition also marks the return of AFCON to the CECAFA region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.

As one of the host nations, Kenya automatically qualifies for the 24-team competition, with reigning champions Senegal set to defend their title after defeating Morocco in the 2025 final.

McCarthy, who was appointed in March 2025 to replace Engin Firat, is entering his second major tournament in charge of Kenya, having previously overseen the Harambee Stars during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

That competition, also co-hosted by the three nations as a preparatory exercise for AFCON 2027, gave McCarthy insight into the potential of his squad.

Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, the South African legend emphasized that Kenya’s immediate goal is to advance past the group stages, though he is mindful of the draw.

“I am praying that we don’t get a ‘Group of Death’ because that would really kill our chances,” McCarthy told Flashscore. “If you are in a group with Morocco, Ivory Coast or Senegal, then ‘Group of Death’ because you know for a fact you don’t have that kind of quality and prowess. But if we are in a modest group, we can have a fighting chance.”

Kenya’s CHAN 2024 performance under McCarthy’s guidance demonstrated promise, finishing unbeaten in the group stage with victories over DR Congo, Morocco, and Zambia before bowing out 1-0 to Madagascar in the Round of 16.

McCarthy believes that experience can serve as a springboard for AFCON 2027. “That (Round of 16) would be a good starting point, a success for us, but beyond that is anyone’s guess. I just want to make a difference in Kenyan football, so people believe more in it like they do in athletics,” he said.

Describing Kenya as a “sleeping giant,” McCarthy praised the talent he has witnessed since taking charge. Despite participating in six previous AFCON tournaments, Kenya has never progressed beyond the group stage, but McCarthy is determined to change that narrative.