Benni McCarthy warns Ivory Coast: Kenya not in World Cup qualifiers to ‘do favours’

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has issued a firm warning to African champions Ivory Coast ahead of their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, insisting that the Harambee Stars will not be in the game to “do favours” for anyone.

The two sides are set to clash in their final Group F fixture on Tuesday, October 14.

Ivory Coast currently lead the group with 20 points from six wins and two draws, maintaining an unbeaten run that has brought them within touching distance of automatic qualification.

Kenya, meanwhile, sit fifth on nine points and are already out of contention for a World Cup spot.

Before meeting Kenya, the Elephants will take on winless Seychelles on October 10 in Mauritius, while the Harambee Stars face Burundi a day earlier in Bujumbura.

Speaking to Flashscore, McCarthy made it clear that Kenya’s focus is to finish their campaign strongly, regardless of the stakes for Ivory Coast.

“It is World Cup qualifiers, it is an opportunity for us to collect maximum points.

“We know it’s like going into the lion’s den because a win for Ivory Coast will secure them automatic qualification,” he said.

“But we are not there to do favours for anyone. We want to win, we want three points. That’s our objective.”

The South African legend, who took charge of Kenya earlier this year, believes his team has what it takes to challenge the reigning African champions.

“They’re going to really have to earn their place at the World Cup,” McCarthy declared. “We let them off the hook the first time we met, but this time, we must take our chances and not settle for a draw.”

McCarthy emphasised respect for opponents but insisted that such respect ends once the match begins.

“We respect every team, but when you cross the white line, the respect disappears,” he said.

“Football isn’t played on paper — it’s played on the pitch. We’re going out there to play our best football and hopefully win the game.”

Despite being out of the qualification race, Kenya are determined to close their campaign positively and build momentum for future competitions.