Harambee Stars coach: I learned the art of 10-man from working with Mourinho
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 10, 2025Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy revealed the tactical insights he gained from playing under the legendary José Mourinho, especially when his team had to cope with being a man down, a scenario he masterfully managed during Kenya’s gritty 1-0 victory over Morocco in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Kasarani Stadium.
Speaking after the match on Sunday, August 10, 2025, McCarthy reflected on his playing days under Mourinho, who was known as a master tactician in managing difficult situations.
“I’m not sure if you remember, I played under a certain coach, José Mourinho was the master of that,” McCarthy said. “As a player playing in a team that plays with 10 men, I’m telling you, it is hell. It is hell, but we used to manage it perfectly like it was our everyday thing.”
McCarthy played under Mourinho during his stint at Porto in the early 2000s. That period laid the foundation for McCarthy’s understanding of tactical discipline and adapting to adversity on the pitch.
The Harambee Stars coach described how the experience taught him the crucial balance between sacrifice and defense.
“You know, like we were a team that plays with 10 men instead of 11. So I’ve learned the trades and the tricks of working with Mourinho, where you adjust, who do you sacrifice. And unfortunately, it’s not going to be pretty for the fans because they want to see attacking football. But then you think about most important to protect your goals. If you are in the lead, you protect at all costs.”
Ten men, tactical mastery
Kenya faced that exact challenge against Morocco when midfielder Chrispine Erambo was shown a straight red card just before halftime, forcing the Stars to play the entire second half with 10 men. McCarthy quickly reshuffled his side, emphasising defensive solidity.
“Sometimes defenders have to play midfield jobs or striker jobs, and that was the art that I’ve learned playing under José,” he explained.
He humorously summed up the defensive mindset his team adopted.
“So for me as a coach, I think I just take myself back to when we used to get a player sent off, one of the strikers get taken off, and then one must hang himself down like a donkey in front, and the rest, we park the bus. No, not the bus, we park a plane.”
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Kenya held firm, with Ryan Ogam’s 42nd-minute goal proving decisive. The hosts absorbed relentless Moroccan pressure, managing to maintain their slim lead until the final whistle, securing top spot in Group A and booking a place in the CHAN quarter-finals.