Benni McCarthy hails Nyayo atmosphere over Manchester United classics

head coach has explained why the atmosphere created by Kenyan fans during his first home game in charge of Kenya’s national team was the best one he has ever been involved in during his entire career.

was, for the first time in a decade, full as Harambee Stars hosted a -inspired Gabon on home soil during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Although Kenya lost the crucial clash 2-1, McCarthy was impressed with the way the fans pushed the team to the end. Thousands of fans showed up at the drama-filled Nyayo Stadium, an occurrence that the South African said he has never witnessed before, despite spending his time in Europe.  

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McCarthy went as far as to explain why the atmosphere generated at the venue was significantly better than the one fans created at Man United during his time as Erik ten Hag’s assistant, including during the fierce derby between Manchester United and Liverpool.

“We only had one full day with the team together, one more training session, and then we were already facing Gabon at home—in such an incredible environment. The homecoming, the welcome we received, was beautiful,” McCarthy shared on

“I’ve been to Old Trafford and seen what Manchester United vs. Liverpool is like. I’ve witnessed so many amazing football atmospheres, but to come to Africa and experience what we saw that day against Gabon—that was something truly special. It was heartwarming and heartfelt.”

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McCarthy admitted the result was a tough one to swallow, especially given how hard the players worked and how well the fans rallied behind the team. He pointed to defensive lapses as the reason Kenya couldn’t reward their supporters with a win.

“We were up against a team that’s on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup. They brought all their superstars with the aim of beating Kenya that day.

“ We were unfortunate not to take our chances, even though we created plenty of goal-scoring opportunities. On another day, we could have easily won that game.”

Still, McCarthy chose to focus on the positives, praising the grit and growth displayed by his players over the international window, which also included an away match against Gambia — which resulted in a 3-3 draw.

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“Unfortunately, a mistake led to their opening goal, and from there we were on the back foot. But over the two games, I thought the players were brave. They played with a lot of courage, heart, and desire. There was so much to learn, but also clear signs of improvement.

McCarthy, whose next two games in charge of the side will be againstand in June, is adamant the side will obliterate both sides given what he saw from the first two games.

“Heading into the next matches, I believe we’ll be close to perfect. We will definitely win those games. That’s what those two matches meant for me—they were significant, both in terms of lessons and belief.”

For McCarthy, the message is clear: with the fans on their side and lessons learned, Harambee Stars are gearing up for a stronger, more clinical showing in June.