New Harambee Stars coach McCarthy requires patience, Olunga says

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga says that the new management at the national team will need time to implement new ideas and strategies.

McCarthy, who most recently was among the backroom staff at Manchester United penned a three year deal a few weeks ago to become Harambee Stars coach, with the view being that he will be in charge of the national team for the 2027 African Cup of Nations which will be co hosted by Kenya Uganda and Tanzania.

The immediate task though, is to resurrect Kenya's hopes of making it to the World Cup in 2026. Kenya has five points in Group F. Leaders Ivory Coast have 10 points.

Olunga knows a win is important on Thursday night and he understands it will be a tough task.

"Everyone is looking forward to the first assignment of the year with a new coach and we hope we will have a positive start," he said.

"We have to be patient with the team because the dynamics are now different as we have to adapt to a new style of play but I am confident of what this young Kenyan team can do.”

Olunga at the same time believes that the clash against The Gambia which takes place Thursday in Abidjan Ivory Coast is a tough match in which they will need to be at their best.

"We are looking forward to the next two fixtures which will be very tough but I believe the group is still open. We are facing Gambia away which will be a tough match. Gambia has emerged as one of the strong teams in Africa and we know it is not going to be an easy match," he remarked.

Brighton and Hove Albion forward Yankuna Minteh is among the notable names in The Gambia's squad to take on Kenya's Harambee Stars in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying Thursday in Abidjan Ivory Coast.

Gambia's Scorpions currently sit fifth in Group F with three points from four matches, having won only once and lost three times.

They will be hopeful of turning their qualification campaign to turn their campaign around when they face Kenya and the Ivory Coast in the upcoming fixtures.

Group leaders Ivory Coast leading the way with 10 points.

Gabon and Burundi sit second and third with nine and seven points respectively, while Kenya sits just above The Gambia in fourth place with five points.

As it stands, the match against Kenya is a must-win for the Gambia and would see them move above Thursday's rivals in the log.