Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo believes Benni McCarthy is struggling to find a long-term replacement for midfielder Anthony Teddy Akumu.

According to the Bandari FC shot-stopper, it will take Kenya a long time to find another midfielder of Akumu’s calibre.

“He (Benni McCarthy) noticed the weakness of this team early, Kenya does not have experienced No.6 like Teddy Akumu,” [✍️ Tiki Taka Show].

“In Kenya right now, we have a shortage in goalkeeping, No.6 and maybe a striker, if you take off Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam,” he added.

“The coach looked and realised he had a problem (Teddy Akumu) in this position because by then, Brian Musa was the only No.6 we had and I think he had a hamstring issue.”

Shikhalo maintains that Benni McCarthy was forced to field Manzur Okwaro has No.6 because he lacked a proper defensive midfielder during the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN), despite being a central defender.

Akumu, who now plays for Lebanese club Nejmeh SC last featured for Kenya, in March this year.