Harambee Stars Goalkeeper Backs Benni McCarthy Amid Backlash Over World Cup Qualifier Selection

Former KCB shot-stopper Farouk Shikhalo has thrown his support behind Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy following criticism over his player choices during Kenya’s 3-1 defeat to The Gambia in the World Cup qualifiers at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Many fans had expected McCarthy to stick with the core squad that impressed at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), but the coach instead opted for a lineup featuring several foreign-based players. The move sparked debate among supporters, with some arguing that local-based talents deserved a chance after their strong performances in recent tournaments.

However, McCarthy stood firm on his decision, explaining that international football requires a different level of experience and intensity.

“When we play locally, we can use the CHAN players because they are familiar with that environment,” McCarthy explained during a post-match press conference. “At this level, you need players who have European experience to balance the squad. If I had played Omija, Bandi, Sylvester, and Abud, we would have conceded 10 goals. That’s the truth. It’s all about being realistic, it’s a learning process, and we’ll get there eventually.”

Farouk Shikhalo: ‘The Coach Was Right’

Shikhalo, who was part of the CHAN squad, echoed McCarthy’s sentiments, insisting that the coach’s comments reflected the realities of international competition. The experienced goalkeeper acknowledged that expectations had risen after Kenya’s solid CHAN display but maintained that McCarthy’s assessment was accurate.

“After CHAN, people expected a lot from us because we played very well,” Shikhalo said during an interview on Alex Mwakideu TV. “But I have to agree with the coach, international football is on a completely different level. It just wasn’t our day against The Gambia.”

He admitted that the team underperformed, allowing the visitors to capitalize and score three goals.

“We didn’t reach our best level, and The Gambia took their chances. Honestly, you can’t compare someone playing in England to someone in the KPL. The standards and exposure are not the same,” he added.

Foreign Leagues Offer Higher Standards

The former Bandari FC captain also emphasized the difference in quality between foreign leagues and the local Premier League. According to him, players competing abroad are exposed to advanced tactical systems, training routines, and match intensity that local players rarely experience.

He pointed out that even captain Michael Olunga, who plays in the Qatar Stars League, faced criticism after the Gambia loss, but responded in the best way possible by finding the back of the net in the following match.

“After the defeat, people were quick to blame Olunga, but he showed his class by scoring in the next game. That’s what leaders do,” Shikhalo said. “The coach’s comments were fair, you simply can’t compare a player in England to one playing here. Their environment pushes them to a higher level.”

Kenya’s Response Against Seychelles

Following the disappointing result, Harambee Stars bounced back in spectacular fashion with a 5-0 thrashing of Seychelles. The dominant display not only silenced critics but also restored confidence in McCarthy’s leadership.

Kenya started strong, taking the lead in the seventh minute through Ryan Ogam’s well-timed header. Defender Collins Sichenje doubled the advantage in the 35th minute after a powerful finish from a set-piece.

Ogam struck again three minutes later to complete his brace and make it 3-0, before captain Michael Olunga coolly converted a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time to give Kenya a 4-0 cushion at the break.

In the second half, Olunga sealed both his brace and Kenya’s emphatic victory with a precise header in the 67th minute, capping off a brilliant team performance.

The win served as a reminder of Harambee Stars’ potential when they find their rhythm, and Shikhalo believes it proved McCarthy’s tactical vision right.

“After that performance, I think everyone could see what the coach was trying to do,” Shikhalo concluded. “He’s building a team that can compete on the international stage, and that takes time. We just have to trust the process.”