Harambee Stars kicked off their qualification campaign with a shock 1-1 draw against Eritrea in Nairobi before travelling to Conakry, where they lost 1-0 against Guinea at Stade 28 Septembre on Thursday.
Against Guinea, talisman Serhou Guirassy made the difference after he reacted quickly to a defensive mistake before sneaking the ball between the legs of Kenya custodian Bryne Omondi.
McCarthy has blamed Kenya’s defeat on a lack of experience, and further took issue with the match referee, whom he accused of incompetence by allowing Guirassy’s goal to count despite an earlier foul on a Kenyan player.
‘Guinea was very fortunate’
“If we had some of the experience that Guinea had, I think it would have been maybe a different situation because we created some nervous moments for them, but unfortunately, in the final third, we lacked a bit of experience,” said McCarthy.
“But I’m very proud of the players for the fight they put up. You know people expected us to lose by three, four or five, but I think Guinea was very fortunate that we didn’t make use of the opportunities that we created.
“I think If you watched the game, I don’t think the referee had one of his best matches, because it was very one-sided.
“Especially for the goal, he was looking at the foul that happened, but he just completely ignored it, and he allowed the goal to stand, which if there was VAR like in South Africa, Morocco, or Egypt, the goal would have been disallowed.
“At a higher level, the goal would have been disallowed because of the incompetence of the referee, and he was very arrogant.
“Of course, frustrations build up a little bit, especially when your team had a good moment and they get into the final third, and then it is just a lapse of concentration, lose focus, and they don’t make a good pass for the team to score, or to equalise because we were 1-0 down.
“We were chasing the game, and I just needed somebody to be calm and to give us that opportunity to score that goal but it didn’t happen.
“So, when you are not able to be on the field to tell the players what to do, you saw my frustrations built up on the touchline.”
Guinea moved above Kenya to second spot in Group D with three points, while South Africa remained top with a maximum of six points following their 5-0 victory against Eritrea.
Kenya have already qualified automatically as co-hosts, and only the highest-placed side among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea will join Kenya at the PAMOJA 2027 AFCON in East Africa.
Zambia urged to look forward
Meanwhile, Zambia coach George Lwandamina has said getting maximum points was crucial in keeping Chipolopolo’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Zambia bounced back from their opening defeat against Algeria by beating Togo 2-0, with Albert Kangwanda scoring early before Eliya Mandanji sealed the victory in stoppage time.
“It was a tough game. At least we have gotten three points and I am sure the table will be changed,” said Lwandamina.
“That is how important it was. Our work is to continue preparing well. I am sure we can't talk too much. We have to wait for the next game.
“I think, like I said earlier, we will continue working to improve the team all the time. And the boys, it is good that they are able to get what we want to put across to them.
“The building process is like a race. A relay, where one will run and then give a chance to the next one. So, it is not just happening with this group.”
Lwandamina further cautioned against heaping too much praise on young players as it could potentially ruin their growth.
“The supporters, which are fans, the media, you have to protect the interest of these young players,” added the former ZESCO United coach.
“Because sometimes what destroys the boys, you give them quick stardom, or you inflict damage on them by way of negative reporting. This is a young team which needs encouragement.
“I am not saying you cannot criticise us, because critics will build us. We tell them this is water under the bridge. It’s gone. So, we have to look forward.”
Zambia moved to second place in Group I following the win, while Algeria remained top of the log on four points.
