Benni McCarthy Could Be Axed as Kenya Coach Before Bafana Bafana Clash in November
- Benni McCarthy's position as Kenya head coach is under growing pressure following two poor results in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers
- Kenya are sitting on just one point in Group D, with South Africa fixtures scheduled for 11 and 13 November 2026
- The November games could prove decisive for McCarthy's future in his first-ever national team head coaching role
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Benni McCarthy's tenure as Kenya head coach is under serious threat, with reports suggesting the former Bafana Bafana striker could be dismissed before Kenya face South Africa in the November international window.
The 48-year-old coach has endured a difficult start to his reign, with Kenya drawing against Eritrea and then losing 1-0 to Guinea in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Those results have left Kenya with just one point in Group D, intensifying scrutiny from football officials.
McCarthy's Job on the Line
Kenya have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament as co-hosts, which means their standing in the qualifying group carries no bearing on their participation in the continental showpiece. Despite that, Kenyan football authorities are understood to be demanding competitive performances from a side that will be expected to perform credibly on home soil during the tournament.
Bafana Bafana are scheduled to meet Kenya twice in November, with the first fixture on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, and the return leg two days later on Friday, 13 November.
A strong showing from South Africa against Egypt on Sunday could further complicate things for McCarthy. A Bafana victory over the Pharaohs would consolidate South Africa's position in Group D and raise expectations significantly ahead of the Kenya meetings.
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First National Team Job at Risk
The Kenya assignment marks McCarthy's debut as a head coach at national team level. The former FC Porto striker, who is best known domestically for leading Bafana Bafana's supporters for years as a striker before transitioning into coaching, now faces the prospect of his first international posting ending prematurely.
Should results not improve before or during the November window, McCarthy's position could become untenable. The November fixtures therefore carry weight beyond football, potentially determining whether he continues as coach into the AFCON tournament itself.
Source: Briefly News
