By Christine Scovia Amondi

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy stays positive despite Kenya’s 3-1 defeat to Gambia in a Group F World Cup qualifier match at staged at Kasarani Stadium on Friday.

Commenting after the match, the head coach said it was a learning experience and admitted disappointment from the results while acknowledging the ‘mistakes’.

Harambee Stars’ backline was shaky all throughout the game soaking in three goals in the opening match.

McCarthy admits that Richard Odada, the mid-fielder who participated in the CHAN tournament was a necessary player in the field and also mentioned Timothy Ouma’s notable errors that contributed to the loss. McCarthy stands firm and does not regret his decisions and the impact it had on yesterday’s match.

‘We paid the price as a team, but not regretting my decision at all.’ remarked McCarthy.

Gambia coach, Jonathan McKinstry commended Harambee stars performance praising their intensity in the field and stating their hard work on the pitch regardless of the three goals in opening half.

“I don’t know if there is any other team in the continent that works as harder,” noted McKinstry.

He also added that: “We’ve got over 200 footballers playing in Europe, and that is what Kenya aspires to have. Hopefully, with the development going on in the Talanta Hela programs, that can happen in the future.”

Harambee Stars now shift focus to next World Cup qualifier tie against Seychelles set for September 9 at Kasarani Stadium.