Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has admitted that Kenya faces a huge challenge in their quest to win the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), citing limited resources, and the team’s current level of competitiveness against Africa’s established footballing nations.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsMcCarthy made the remarks following Kenya’s 1-0 defeat to Guinea in Conakry, arguing that even a significant financial investment would not necessarily transform Harambee Stars into genuine contenders for the continental title.##NAJAVA_MECA_10009874##The South African coach, speaking in comments captured by AD Sports Media, pointed to Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Guinea among the nations he considers significantly ahead of Kenya in terms of footballing strength and experience.“Even if you pay me millions and millions of dollars to win AFCON, I don't think Kenya has enough resources, and a team strong enough to compete against Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Guinea," McCarthy stated. "These are powerful nations on the African continent, and we can't compete against them because they are way above us. To think Kenya can win AFCON is not impossible, but very unlikely.” Nairobi United close in on Harambee Stars forwardHis assessment comes after Harambee Stars endured a difficult start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, despite already having their place at the finals secured as one of the three co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania.Kenya opened their qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea at home before travelling to Conakry, where they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Guinea.The two results have left McCarthy’s side without a victory in Group D, with Kenya sitting third on one point, level with Eritrea, and behind Guinea and South Africa.FIFA U17 WC: No Spain camp for Junior Starlets as team is forced to leave for Morocco earlyThe results have nevertheless provided the coach with an early indication of the areas that require improvement, as he continues to build a team capable of competing against the continent’s more established sides.Cosmas Nabungolo reflects on three decades of triumphs as retirement beckonsThe continental showpiece is scheduled to run from 19 June to 17 July 2027, giving McCarthy and his technical team additional time to strengthen the squad ahead of the tournament.Kenya will continue with their preparations through the remaining international windows, with qualifiers forming major part of the team's preparation, as McCarthy works on improving Stars ahead of the finals on home soil.
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