Benni McCarthy tells Kenya critics to ‘shut up and watch’ after Eritrea draw

Kenya manager Benni McCarthy has defended goalkeeper Byrne Omondi after the Harambee Stars began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea.

Omondi faced strong criticism after the opening-day result, but McCarthy offered wholehearted support for the goalkeeper and urged people to give him time to develop.

The former South Africa international compared Omondi with Kenyan football legend Denis Onyango, saying he believes the goalkeeper has the ability to play outside Kenya.

“He has been here since I arrived. And when I see him, I always see the stature of someone like Denis Onyango. He reminds me a lot of Denis Onyango,” McCarthy said at his post-match news conference.

“Every day in training, and during CHAN, he was exceptional. I do not understand how he can continue to play in the Kenyan league.

“This is not disrespectful to Kenyan teams, but I think he is a goalkeeper who can play in Europe, Egypt, Morocco or South Africa. Of course he is being criticised, but we have confidence in him.”

McCarthy was also angered by the reaction to Omondi’s performance and directly challenged the media to reconsider their criticism.

“If you have played in a European Champions League final and won it, then fine… otherwise, shut up and content yourselves with watching football,” he said.

The result left Kenya held by Eritrea in their first fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. McCarthy’s comments focused on protecting Omondi while making clear that he remains confident in the goalkeeper’s ability.