Nairobi, Kenya: As the Harambee Stars gear up for a pivotal World Cup 2025 qualifying match against Ivory Coast on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Abidjan, Head Coach Benni McCarthy emphasizes the importance of seizing this opportunity to secure maximum points.
During Harambeee Stars’ training session, McCarthy highlighted the high stakes of the encounter, noting that a victory for Ivory Coast would practically guarantee their automatic qualification for the upcoming World Cup. However, he reinforced his team’s determination, stating, “We’re not here to do favors for anyone. Our objective is clear: we want to win and earn those three points.”
Reflecting on their previous encounter with Ivory Coast, McCarthy acknowledged that his side fell short in their last match, allowing a draw.
“We weren’t good enough to beat them the first time, and we let them off the hook,” he remarked. He stressed that this match isn’t about revenge but rather about meticulous preparation and capitalizing on opportunities when they arise.
“We respect every team we play against, that’s just who we are. But when the match begins, the respect fades, and it’s about showcasing our abilities,” McCarthy asserted.
He dismissed notions of being intimidated by facing the reigning African champions, emphasizing that football is not determined by reputation but by performance on the pitch.
On the injury front, McCarthy reported some concerns with key players, including Rooney Onyango, who has been struggling with a minor issue. However, after undergoing thorough medical assessments, he appears fit to train ahead of the match.
“He has completed the necessary medical checks, and everything has checked out okay. We will keep a close eye on him during our training sessions leading up to the game,” the coach stated.
The captain, Michael Olunga is also being monitored due to hamstring concerns, and McCarthy is hopeful that the coming days will bring clarity about their availability.
The coach highlighted that the captain had some mild hamstring worries, which the team is managing cautiously. “We want to give him as much training as possible in the days leading up to the match on Thursday. His fitness will be closely monitored, and we’ll assess how he feels as game day approaches,” he elaborated.
Additionally, Alpha Onyango, another key player who recently played for Gor Mahia, is dealing with a precautionary issue after being substituted in his last outing. “We want to ensure he is completely fit, so we’ll continue to monitor his condition throughout training sessions,” the coach remarked.
Despite the concerns surrounding these three players, the rest of the team appears to be in top shape, with the coach confirming that everyone else is “100% fit.” With positive vibes around the squad, he expressed optimism for the upcoming encounters. “Overall, we’re looking good for the next two games,” he concluded.
As the Haramber Stars prepare to take on Ivory Coast, the head coach’s proactive approach to player fitness and his commitment to ensure their well-being speaks volumes about the anticipated intensity of the matches ahead. Fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates as the date draws closer.
