Kenya has finally tasted victory under new head coach Benni McCarthy, with a confident 2-1 triumph over Chad in an international friendly staged at the Stade de Marrakech, Morocco. The result marks Benni McCarthy’s first win as Harambee Stars coach, a significant milestone after a rocky start to his tenure.
McCarthy, appointed in March, had overseen two draws and a defeat in his opening matches. But Tuesday night brought a breakthrough — a much-needed result that not only boosts morale but also offers signs of genuine progress ahead of the CHAN tournament in August.
A Tactical Refresh Pays Off
Determined to shift the narrative, Benni McCarthy made key changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Chad in the first leg. Faruk Shikalo started in goal, while a revamped backline featured Siraj Mohammed, Sylvester Owino, Swaleh Pamba, and Lewis Bandi. The reshuffled defense looked confident and composed throughout.
Kenya began with intent, pressing high and controlling the early tempo. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Emmanuel Osoro capitalized on a defensive error to slot home. It was a deserved lead and a testament to McCarthy’s aggressive approach.
The forward almost added a second ten minutes later, latching onto a clever cross from Austine Odhiambo. His sharp shot, however, was kept out by Chad’s alert goalkeeper Ndouassel Ezechiel.
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Chad Struggle to Match Kenya’s Intensity
Despite going behind, Chad offered little in terms of offensive threat. Their game plan appeared reactive — sitting deep, soaking pressure, and hoping to counter. But the Kenyan defense, now growing in confidence under Benni McCarthy’s first win as Harambee Stars coach, remained largely unbothered.
Kenya made them pay for their caution. Just before halftime, David Sakwa doubled the lead with a cool finish in the 44th minute. The goal capped a dominant first-half display and reflected the clear tactical improvements under McCarthy.
Controlled Second Half Shows Maturity
Kenya continued to dictate play after the break. William Lenkupae came close with a glancing header early in the second half, narrowly missing the target at the near post. There was fluidity in Kenya’s passing, patience in buildup, and composure in defensive transitions.
Chad pulled one back in the 59th minute through Mahamat Ali, who timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and head past Shikalo. The goal gave the Central Africans a glimmer of hope and briefly shifted the energy of the match.
But unlike in recent games, Kenya held firm. The response to conceding showed a different mentality — calm, focused, and in control. McCarthy’s side didn’t panic. Instead, they looked to extend their lead. In the 78th minute, Siraj Mohammed rose highest to meet an Odhiambo set-piece but missed the target. Moments later, Sakwa forced a save with a driven shot that tested the Chadian keeper.
Shikalo’s Late Heroics Seal the Win
Chad threatened late with a powerful header that seemed destined for the top corner. But Shikalo produced a brilliant fingertip save to preserve the lead and secure Benni McCarthy’s first win as Harambee Stars coach.
The final whistle sparked visible relief and excitement on the Kenyan bench. McCarthy, often animated on the touchline, exchanged hugs and high-fives with his staff as Harambee Stars celebrated a much-needed victory.
What This Win Means for Harambee Stars
This result is more than just a statistic. It marks the beginning of a new chapter under Benni McCarthy. His tactical tweaks, personnel changes, and attacking mindset have begun to take shape. While it’s only a friendly, the win gives Kenyan fans something to believe in again.
The players are responding to the South African coach’s methods. Emmanuel Osoro showed clinical instincts up front. David Sakwa was dynamic throughout. Austine Odhiambo pulled the strings in midfield, and the backline looked organized and solid.
More importantly, the team now appears to have an identity — something that’s been missing in recent years.
The Harambee Stars will now turn their attention to preparations for the upcoming CHAN tournament in August. With Benni McCarthy’s first win as Harambee Stars coach now under the belt, the focus will shift to building momentum, improving consistency, and refining the team’s style of play.
Kenya’s fans will be hoping this is just the start of something special. If McCarthy continues on this path, the Harambee Stars could be ready to compete seriously on the continental stage once again.
Match Summary
Final Score: Kenya 2-1 Chad
Scorers: Emmanuel Osoro (17′), David Sakwa (44′) – Mahamat Ali (59′)
Kenya Starting XI: Faruk Shikalo, Siraj Mohammed, Sylvester Owino, Swaleh Pamba, Lewis Bandi, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, William Lenkupae, Ben Stanley Omondi, David Sakwa, Emmanuel Osoro.
Chad Starting XI: Ndouassel Ezechiel, Tchaouna Haroun, Ali Mahamat Adam, Youssouf Ahmat Moussa, Thiam Mahamat Maintah, Koularambaye Damba, Allarabaye Yves, Nanre Dainkreo Maintan, Noubara Felix, Haroun Abakar Khamis, Mbainaissem Tourdain.
