Kenya’s national football team head coach Benni McCarthy believes his Harambee Stars players are on the right path to success at the CHAN tournament slated for August this year after a promising display in two friendly matches against Chad where young talents like Emmanuel Osoro and David Sakwa shone under the South African legend’s watchful eye.

The East African nation participated in two back-to-back international friendly matches against Chad during the just-concluded FIFA International break, drawing the first game 0-0 before recovering to win the second 2-1.

In the first friendly at Stade de Marrakech in Morocco, Harambee Stars, who were using the matches as part of their preparations for Chan, produced a superb display but were unable to break down Chad’s resilient backline.

However, in the second game at the same venue, Kenya were once again the dominant side. They took the lead just 18 minutes in when debutant Emmanuel Osoro finished off a cross from Ben Stanley Omondi.

Harambee Stars doubled their lead in the 45th minute when the enterprising Osoro turned provider to set up David Sakwa, who drilled home for a 2-0 lead at half-time. Though Chad pulled one back in the 60th minute through Ali Mahamat Adam, it was not enough to deny Kenya their first win under McCarthy.

Since taking charge, the South African legend had overseen two matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers prior to the Chad friendlies. Kenya secured a dramatic 3-3 comeback draw against The Gambia in their Group F matchday five fixture before narrowly losing 2-1 to Gabon.

Impressive friendlies

The former Bafana Bafana striker expressed satisfaction with his squad’s performance in Morocco, especially the new players he introduced.

“I am very happy for the boys. We had a really good week in camp. We got to know each other very well during training sessions, and I think the Morocco outing was superb for them,” McCarthy told Flashscore.

“The first game we played very well, exceptionally well, and deserved to win, but we couldn’t. You could see the disappointment on the players’ faces after such a dominant performance.”

“In the second game, I told the players we just needed to kick on a little bit. When you create Chances the way we did, it becomes easier to score goals. The boys who came in did very well; they seized the moment and created so much more. It was nice to see the beginning of the kind of football we want to play.”

McCarthy added: “We deserved the win, and I believe we can build from the training we had in Morocco. In the first game, we lacked clinical finishing, and before the second game, we focused our training on that, getting comfortable in front of goal, attacking with speed, moving the ball quicker, and preventing the opposition from regrouping.”

Odhiambo’s cross

The coach praised Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo for his contribution, particularly during the second goal.

“The first goal came from Ben Stanley Omondi breaking down the wing and putting in a beautiful cross. Emmanuel made a near-post run, just as we discussed, and was rewarded with a fine finish,” he explained.

“For the second goal, Austin, playing in the number 10 role, stayed higher up the pitch, which made him more dangerous. He played a great ball to Osoro, who then turned provider and delivered a fantastic ball across the pitch for Sakwa to finish.”

McCarthy continued: “I’m happy for the young players, especially those who got their first international exposure. There’s a good structure in place—we just need to keep working and improving.”

Ready for Chan

On why he picked international players Brian Mandela, Adam Wilson, and William Lenkupae for the friendlies, McCarthy explained: “Ninety percent of our team was made up of local players. Mandela, Lenkupae, and Adam were the only internationals, and they haven’t played much football this season. I just wanted to give them game time, help them gel with the group, and they played instrumental roles.”

He added: “The local players got to see the level I expect from them. If we play to our potential, we can get good results. There’s a lot to look forward to with Chan coming up. I’m excited to keep working with this group and prepare them well.”

“Our main focus is to bring more victories, more wins, and make Kenyans proud.”

The upcoming Chan will be the eighth edition of the biennial football tournament organised by CAF, featuring national teams made up of players currently playing in their domestic leagues.

It will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzani, and Uganda, marking the first time three countries will co-host the tournament. The event will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Tournament Groups

Kenya have been placed in Group ‘A’ alongside Morocco, Angola, DR Congo and Zambia.

Group ‘B’ features Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic.

Group ‘C’ comprises Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Algeria and South Africa, while Group ‘D’ includes Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan and Nigeria.