The recent penalty shootout loss to Estonia national football team after a 1-1 draw has once again thrown Harambee Stars into a storm of criticism—this time squarely aimed at head coach Benni McCarthy.

As expected, reactions from Kenyan fans and sections of the local football ecosystem have been swift and emotional. Social media, particularly X, has been awash with claims of bias in team selection, with some arguing that certain players are consistently favored despite underwhelming performances. Others believe deserving talents from the local league continue to be overlooked.

But if this feels like déjà vu, it’s because it is.

Selection disputes have long been part of Kenyan football culture. Almost every national team coach—local or foreign—has had to navigate accusations of favoritism, often fueled by club loyalties and regional affiliations. Local club officials, in particular, tend to amplify these tensions, especially when their players are excluded from the squad.

In McCarthy’s case, the scrutiny is even sharper. As a high-profile coach with international pedigree, expectations are significantly higher. Fans are not just analyzing results—they are dissecting decisions. A narrow loss like this one, especially via penalties, leaves little room for nuance in public discourse.

However, focusing solely on selection may oversimplify the issue. Football outcomes, particularly in tightly contested matches, often hinge on fine margins—missed chances, mental resilience, and tactical execution. Blaming squad choices alone ignores the broader structural and performance-related challenges that the team continues to face.

Ultimately, the reaction says as much about Kenyan football culture as it does about the result itself. Until there is a unified understanding of long-term team building, every loss will continue to reopen the same wounds—regardless of who sits on the bench.