2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Reprieve for Benni McCarthy as Kenya run riot over Seychelles with former Kaizer Chiefs transfer target grabbing a brace

It was a terrific opening half for Kenya who pumped in five goals without reply against the Indian Ocean Islanders.

Rambok Ogam grabbed a brace, first finding the back of the net seven minutes into the contest, before he was back on the scoresheet seven minutes before halftime.

That sandwiched Collins Sichenje's headed effort in the 35th minute as the Harambee Stars commanded play.

Skipper Michael Olunga made it a four-goal advantage from the penalty spot in the first half's stoppage time to throw the game beyond Seychelles' reach.

Olunga sealed his double in the 67th minute when he headed in a Rooney Onyango delivery from the right side. 

The afternoon ended on a bright 5-0 note for Kenya and Olunga who was being linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs during this transfer window.

Following the victory in Nairobi, Kenya climbed a rung up Group F and are now fourth on the table.

They could, however, be deposed from that position if fifth-placed Gambia beat Burundi later on Tuesday.

Seychelles remain stranded at the bottom of the standings with eight defeats, having conceded a sensational 39 goals in these qualifiers. 

Going into Tuesday's match already knowing that they will not be going to the World Cup, Kenya needed to pacify their disgruntled fans.

They managed to record a big victory and will hope that is something to restore happy faces on their supporters.

It was also reprieve for coach Benni McCarthy whose reputation as a coach was soiled by failure to qualify for the World Cup. 

As a team that will not be going to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in December, Kenya will be using the remaining World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast to prepare themselves for the 2027 Afcon tournament for which they will be co-hosts.

Should McCarthy remain as their head coach, that is a huge task for him to guide his side to a respectable outing, unlike the African Nations Championship where their campaign ended at the quarter-final stage despite home advantage.