Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy believes his side’s lack of experience in the final third proved costly as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Guinea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Serhou Guirassy scored the decisive goal in the 32nd minute in Conakry as Guinea bounced back from their opening 2-1 defeat to South Africa to claim their first three points of the qualifying campaign.
McCarthy’s Kenya created opportunities and threatened the hosts but ultimately could not find the finishing touch, with the former Bafana Bafana striker highlighting the difference in experience between the two sides.
“If we had some of the experience that Guinea had, I think maybe it would have been a different situation because we created some nerve-wracking moments for them, but unfortunately, in the final third, we lacked a bit of experience,” McCarthy said.
Despite the defeat, the Kenyan coach was pleased with the fight shown by his players, particularly given the expectations surrounding the fixture.
“But I’m very happy for the players for the fight. People expected us to lose by three, four or five, but Guinea were very fortunate that we didn’t make use of the opportunities that we created,” he added.
Kenya remains on one point after two matches following their opening 1-1 draw with Eritrea, while Guinea have moved into second place on three points.
South Africa sit top of Group D with six points after Pitso Mosimane’s side followed their 2-1 victory over Guinea with a 5-0 win against Eritrea.
Kenya are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, meaning the remaining qualification battle in Group D involves South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea for the available place.
McCarthy’s side will next face South Africa in a double-header during the November international window, providing another significant test for the Harambee Stars.