The side also secured a third-place finish in the 2026 FIFA Series campaign, further strengthening optimism around McCarthy’s tenure.
However, despite the recent progress, the former Manchester United first-team coach believes expectations from some fans have become unrealistic.
Speaking to South African Kick Off Magazine, McCarthy did not hold back when responding to suggestions that Kenya should target the AFCON semi-finals.
“What did they do in their life that they want to come and make demands. If only they knew what it takes to win. So I don’t have time for ignorant and stupid people who don’t know what it is to manage,” he said.
McCarthy pointed to the immense quality present across African football, naming nations such as Senegal, Egypt, Morocco, Ivory Coast, and South Africa as examples of teams currently operating at a far higher level.
“People mustn’t be silly. For me, I think we could have a chance to get out of the group stages because the level is high and most of our players are playing in the Kenyan league. And the Kenyan Premier League, compared to the South African League, is very low,” he averred.
The 47-year-old also questioned how Kenya could realistically expect to reach the last four without first overcoming some of Africa’s elite footballing nations.
“You can’t be too ambitious and think, ‘Hey, I want to reach the semi-final’. Who are you going to beat to get there? Imagine you get Bafana Bafana or the Ivory Coast. The top two go through. Where are you going to finish? I have been in the game long enough,” he said.
McCarthy further admitted that some of the criticism and public demands frustrate him, particularly when they come from people he feels underestimate the complexity of international football management.
“It does upset you a little bit when you hear people giving silly comments and making statements like that, thinking they know more!” he said.
The former Porto and Blackburn Rovers striker also opened up on why he accepted the Harambee Stars job after leaving his role at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.
“I first needed to have a break because I felt like I had aged very fast in that short time. I needed to rest, and the offers and opportunities that came were not what I wanted. I had coached modest clubs like Amazulu and Cape Town City, and I didn’t want to coach modest clubs anymore,” he explained.
According to McCarthy, the opportunity to lead a national team into a home AFCON tournament was too attractive to ignore.
“The Kenyan offer came, and the project, the opportunity to coach at AFCON, did seem appealing now that they will host it,” he said.
McCarthy also addressed speculation around his long-term coaching ambitions, admitting he would be open to coaching South Africa’s national team in the future once Hugo Broos eventually departs.
“If I am asked, of course, I would. It’s my country. It’s our national team,” he said.
He further reiterated his admiration for Kaizer Chiefs, though he stressed that his current focus remains fully on Harambee Stars.
“My duty right now is with the Kenyan national team. I’m a fan of the club from outside but if it comes to my doorstep, then I will have to deal with it,” he said.
