McCarthy backs Kenya goalkeeper Omondi after Eritrea draw

Benni McCarthy has defended Kenya goalkeeper Byrne Omondi after he came in for criticism following the Harambee Stars’ opening match in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Kenya were held to a 1-1 draw by Eritrea, with Omondi facing a wave of negative reaction after the match. But head coach McCarthy praised the goalkeeper and urged critics to give him time to develop.

McCarthy said Omondi had impressed him consistently since his appointment and compared him with former Kenya international Denis Onyango.

“He has been here since I arrived. When I look at him, I always see the stature of someone like Denis Onyango. He reminds me a lot of Denis Onyango,” McCarthy said at his post-match news conference.

“He has been exceptional every day in training and during the CHAN. I do not understand how he can still be playing in the Kenyan league.

“That is not intended as a lack of respect for Kenyan teams, but I believe he is a goalkeeper who can play in Europe, Egypt, Morocco or South Africa. Of course he is being criticised, but we have confidence in him.”

The South African coach, who is protecting his player from the criticism, then delivered a pointed response to the media.

“If you have played in a European Champions League final and won, then all right... otherwise, keep quiet and just watch football,” he said.

The draw with Eritrea was Kenya’s first result in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. McCarthy’s comments made clear that he remains convinced Omondi has the ability to progress beyond the Kenyan domestic league.

His comparison with Denis Onyango was also significant, with McCarthy identifying the current goalkeeper as having qualities similar to a major figure in Kenyan football.

Rather than blaming Omondi for the dropped points, McCarthy chose to support him publicly and called for patience as the goalkeeper continues to develop under his management.