McCarthy wants sharper Stars against Guinea

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has challenged his charges to be more clinical in front of goal when they face Guinea in Conakry on Thursday.

The South African coach is demanding a much-improved display after Kenya’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Eritrea, urging his players to show greater attacking purpose, composure and conviction in the pressure of a challenging away fixture.

Kenya flew out of Nairobi on Tuesday for Conakry, where they will face a Guinea side determined to recover from their 2-1 defeat to South Africa and get their Group D campaign back on track.

Ryan Ogam’s late equaliser against Eritrea has placed the forward at the centre of Kenya’s attacking plans, with the youngster expected to lead the Stars’ frontline against the Syli National.

Michael Olunga remains sidelined with injury, while midfielder Richard Odada is also unavailable, leaving McCarthy to consider different combinations for the encounter.

“Based on what I saw when we faced Eritrea on Saturday, I highly doubt we will be intimidated in Guinea,” McCarthy said, underlining his confidence in the squad.

Ben Stanley Omondi has also emerged as an attacking threat after playing a key role in the build-up to Ogam’s equaliser, while Duke Abuya could provide additional creativity in midfield.

McCarthy wants Kenya to be more clinical in the final third after they created several opportunities against Eritrea without making them count.

“I definitely hope that our finishing in the final third will be better,” he said.

Guinea are expected to provide a tougher test on home soil, with the hosts eager to put their opening defeat behind them and give their supporters something to celebrate in Conakry.

The Stars will need to combine defensive discipline with attacking intent, particularly when transitioning quickly after winning possession.

“We had a very good performance and dominated the game, but we need to turn that into goals,” McCarthy said.

Despite criticism following the Eritrea match, Stade de Reims left-back Manzur Okwaro retains McCarthy’s confidence, with the coach backing the youngster to respond on the pitch against Guinea.

With several key players unavailable, McCarthy has called on those in the squad to embrace their responsibilities and deliver under pressure.

“Every player has to be ready because we need everyone,” he said.

Kenya have already qualified automatically for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania. However, McCarthy insists the qualifiers remain important as the team prepares for the tournament.

“Being co-hosts does not give us a free pass to relax,” he said. “Every match in Group D will be played with high intensity and full concentration.”

Thursday’s clash will give McCarthy another opportunity to assess his squad away from home and gauge how his players respond to the demands of playing in Conakry.

“Our goal for this international window is simple: we want maximum points,” he said.

After the Guinea match, Kenya are scheduled to travel to Kigali for a friendly against Rwanda on October 5.

by TONY MBALLA