McCarthy hopeful of CHAN success after getting first Harambee Stars win
By Kiplagat Sang, June 12, 2025Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is hopeful of success in the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) after registering his first win as a national team tactician.
Kenya managed a 2-0 win over Chad in a recent friendly match in Morocco, and McCarthy explained the importance of that victory.
“For the boys that are going to play in CHAN, I hope this experience has shown them the level I expect and the level we can reach when we play our best football.
So there are a lot of positive things we can look forward to with CHAN coming up, and I’m excited. With the time we’ll have to prepare, I believe this team will be ready to go, and hopefully we can bless the country with more victories,” the South African said, as quoted by the Football Kenya Federation.
Chad encounters
Meanwhile, in the first friendly played on June 7, 2025, the Harambee Stars were unlucky not to come away with the win after they were held to a 0-0 draw. The team created multiple chances, controlled the tempo, and showed glimpses of their evolving identity under McCarthy. That momentum carried into the second match, where the team got its reward.
Emmanuel Osoro — earning his first national team call-up — opened the scoring in the 17th minute, pouncing on an assist by Ben Stanley to fire Kenya ahead. Just before halftime, Osoro turned provider. After receiving the ball from Austine Odhiambo, he picked out Sakwa in the box, who calmly slotted home Kenya’s second in the 44th minute. Chad responded with a goal from Mahamat Ali in the 59th minute, but Kenya held firm to see out the win.
With a goal and an assist, Osoro stood out as one of the revelations of the Morocco camp, showing hunger, composure, and a sharp eye for goal in his debut outing.
More Articles
