Kenya national team coach Benni McCarthy believes his charges have what it takes to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of their qualifiers clash against a Gabon side headlined by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Sunday (15:00).

The Harambee Stars will host the Panthers at a sold-out Nyayo Stadium in the capital Nairobi. The encounter will be McCarthy’s second match in the dugout following his official appointment earlier this month.

The Bafana Bafana legend oversaw a dramatic six-goal thriller against Gambia in his first match in charge on Thursday, after his troops overturned a two-goal deficit to level matters before scoring a stoppage-time equalizer to salvage a point in a 3-3 draw.

Now, with Kenya proving to have a relentless attitude in the early stages of the new era, the South African mentor is adamant he can lead the East African nation to a berth in the upcoming global showpiece.

“Yes, we do [have a chance], everyone in the group between Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Burundi, there’s still Gambia, everyone [stands a chance]. And there is a likelihood of qualifying for the best second-placed, so everything is possible,” McCarthy told the media.

The former Manchester United first-team striker’s coach is keen to back his claims by securing crucial maximum points on home soil with Gabon’s scalp. However, the 47-year-old tactician acknowledges that achieving the feat won’t be a walk in the park.

“But we have to start the game against Gabon with three points that will send us on our way in trying to catch up with the teams that already have 12 points like Gabon. So, it will be hard but it’s not impossible,” he added.

Kenya currently trails table-toppers Ivory Coast with seven points and second-placed Gabon with six points after five matches played in Group F. The Harambee Stars are in fourth place after picking up six points.