In his first game at the helm, Kenya were content with a draw after debutants Mohammed Bajaber and Wilson Lenkupae, along with captain Michael Olunga, found the net in a sensational match.

McCarthy acknowledged that a draw was not the preferable outcome, yet he was satisfied with the team’s performance and believed there was scope for improvement.

Since this is my first game in charge after just a few days with the national team, I will accept a draw even if it does not benefit Gambia or us. Even though there is much to improve on, I am satisfied with the idea and what I witnessed. However, the optimism that I have witnessed today inspires me. “We can improve dramatically with one or two more training days.”