Table of Contents
- A Kenya vs Tanzania football duel is welcome, Harambee Stars head coach Bennie McCarthy says
- McCarthy challenged Tanzania to a friendly match in Nairobi or Dar es Salaam
- The two neighbouring countries have been involved in a superiority football banter
A Kenya vs Tanzania football duel is welcome, Harambee Stars head coach Bennie McCarthy says.
McCarthy challenged Tanzania to a friendly match in Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. The two neighbouring countries have been involved in a superiority football banter.
Particularly on social media with each country boasting of being better than the other in football. It suffices to say that a football match between these two countries would put to an end some sort of tension between Kenyans and Tanzanians.
Much of it was sponsored by inhumane actions by the Tanzanian police when they abducted and tortured Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi in May 2025.
Kenyans went for President Samia Suluhu and her administration on X, giving Tanzanians no breather.
Why is a Kenya vs Tanzania Match so Interesting?
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu with Taifa Stars. Photo/CECAFA Football
Shortly after an online onslaught against President Suluhu, the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) renewed the rivalry.
Kenyans hoped that Harambee Stars would pair up with Taifa Stars during the 2024 CHAN tournament. However, Madagascar cut short this dream at the quarter-finals stage.
Morocco also put an end to Tanzania’s CHAN run. Before this match, Kenyans bought a majority of the tickets to frustrate Taifa Stars during its meetup with the Atlas Lions.
McCarthy Speaks on the Possibility of Tanzania Vs Kenya Match
McCarthy, who had previously stayed quiet about the banter during CHAN, has now stepped forward with a suggestion for Kenya vs Tanzania.
He explained that the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) could approach FIFA with a request to organise a match between the two teams.
A 3-3 draw in Harambee Stars vs Gambia match on Thursday, March 20 marks very critical steps for Kenyan Football and coach Benni McCarthy. Photo/iDsiski Times
Although he was open to the idea of including other neighboring countries, McCarthy stressed that Tanzania remained his top priority.
He pointed out that he would welcome matches against Uganda, Rwanda, and other regional teams, but emphasized that facing Tanzania first would be his preference.
During CHAN, Kenya vs Tanzania debacle seemed a possibility but Madagascar and Morocco quashed this hope.
Did Kenya Win 2024 CHAN?
Kenya, who at one stage looked set to finish second in Group A, secured top spot after a crucial win over Zambia in their final group game. Despite this, both Kenya and Tanzania were eliminated in the quarterfinals despite finishing top of their respective groups.
Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 squad. Photo/President William Ruto.
After a disappointing 3-1 defeat to The Gambia on Friday, Harambee Stars bounced back emphatically, thrashing Seychelles 5-0.
This World Cup qualifier match was played on Tuesday, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Although the match had no bearing on group standings, Kenya’s dominant performance served as a strong statement of intent.
Next up, Harambee Stars will hit the road in October for crucial fixtures away from home. They face the Ivory Coast on Saturday, as the race for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.
