Harambee Stars recorded one of their most emphatic results in recent years on Tuesday, defeating Seychelles 5–0 at Kasarani Stadium in a World Cup qualifying match. It was a night of efficiency and confidence, marked by goals from Ryan Ogam, Collins Sichenje, and a brace from captain Michael Olunga.
While the victory provided relief for players and fans alike, it also reinforced a wider reality: Kenya’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains closed. The challenge ahead is less about standings and more about building a team capable of competing at continental level when AFCON 2027 arrives on home soil.
The scoreline reflected Kenya’s dominance, but it was also expected against one of the lowest-ranked teams in African football. For coach Benni McCarthy and his players, the real task lies beyond this match.
Though it will not influence Kenya’s World Cup campaign, coming off a disappointing 1–3 loss to The Gambia, Harambee Stars needed a convincing performance to reestablish belief. The emergence of Ogam as a reliable scorer adds depth to the squad, addressing concerns about over-reliance on Olunga.
Kenya now sits on nine points in Group F, occupying fourth place. Ivory Coast remains the group leader and is virtually assured of qualification, leaving Kenya with no realistic path to the tournament.
This outcome underlines a structural issue: Harambee Stars are yet to reach the level where they can consistently challenge Africa’s best. Occasional wins against smaller nations are not enough to elevate Kenya into the top tier of continental football.
The Seychelles match highlights what Kenya must prioritize moving forward:
As co-hosts of the AFCON 2027, Kenya cannot afford to treat the event as a formality. They will need to assemble a team capable of competing beyond the group stage. Building squad depth. Kenya must learn to apply the same energy, tactical discipline, and finishing ability regardless of the opposition.
Kenya will close their qualification campaign with fixtures against Burundi and Ivory Coast in October. These matches will not alter World Cup qualification standings, but they represent an opportunity to test resilience. Strong performances could signal genuine progress, while poor showings risk undoing the morale gained against Seychelles.
The Seychelles victory does not address issues that have troubled the team for years: inconsistent preparation, administrative challenges, and lack of sustained player development. Without structural reform, individual results even though emphatic will remain isolated successes rather than part of a continuous rise.