In Summary:
- Kenya’s Harambee Stars beat Chad 2-1, marking new coach Benni McCarthy’s first win.
- Emmanuel Osoro and David Sakwa scored, while goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo made key saves.
- The win is a big step for the team as they get ready for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.
Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, kicked off a new era under coach Benni McCarthy with an exciting 2-1 victory over Chad in Marrakech. Goals from Emmanuel Osoro and David Sakwa secured the win, a crucial morale booster as the team prepares for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August. This win shows great promise for the Harambee Stars, with new talents stepping up and McCarthy’s coaching vision taking shape.
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A Hard-Fought Victory
The match saw a dynamic display from the Kenyan side, especially in the opening half. FC Talanta’s Emmanuel Osoro broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed cross from Gor Mahia’s Ben Stanley Omondi.
Osoro then turned provider, setting up Bandari’s David Sakwa for a composed finish just before halftime, extending Kenya’s lead to 2-0.
Chad, however, showed resilience in the second half. Ali Mahamat managed to pull one back for his team, heading in a cross from Yousouf Ahmat, making it a nervy end to the game.
Despite the mounting pressure from Chad, Kenyan goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo delivered a strong performance, making crucial saves to ensure the Harambee Stars maintained their lead until the final whistle.
Emerging Talents Shine
The victory highlighted the impressive contributions of several players. Emmanuel Osoro was a standout performer, not only scoring the opening goal but also providing the assist for the second.
His impact underscored his growing importance to the national squad. David Sakwa’s clinical finish further demonstrated the attacking potential within McCarthy’s refreshed lineup.
In midfield, Alpha Onyango and William Lenkupae played pivotal roles, showcasing a blend of defensive solidity and creative spark.
Coach McCarthy’s bold decision to make nine changes from the previous goalless draw against Chad proved effective, injecting fresh energy and a clear purpose into the team’s play.
This willingness to experiment and trust new faces signals an exciting period of development for Kenyan football.
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McCarthy’s Vision for Harambee Stars
This friendly victory marks Benni McCarthy’s inaugural win in his three matches as Kenya’s head coach, a much-anticipated milestone since his appointment in March 2025.
The former UEFA Champions League winner with Porto wasted no time in implementing his tactical approach, demonstrating an offensive philosophy that aims to maximize the team’s scoring opportunities.
Speaking after the match, McCarthy acknowledged the team’s positive aspects but emphasized the need for consistency.
“We did some things well tonight,” he stated, “but we need to maintain that level.”
His focus remains firmly on building a cohesive and competitive squad for the upcoming CHAN tournament, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania in August.
Historically, the Harambee Stars have participated in CHAN since its inception in 2009, with their best performance being a quarter-final finish in 2018.
McCarthy’s vast experience, including stints with clubs like Ajax and as a coach for the South African national team, is expected to be instrumental in guiding Kenya to new heights in the continental competition.
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Building Momentum for CHAN
The win against Chad is more than just a friendly triumph; it’s a crucial step in the Harambee Stars’ preparation for CHAN.
The tournament, exclusively for locally-based players, offers a significant platform for Kenya to showcase its homegrown talent.
The upcoming rematch against Chad presents another invaluable opportunity for McCarthy to fine-tune his tactics and build further momentum within the squad.
For Kenyan football enthusiasts, this victory offers a renewed sense of hope and optimism. After years of striving for consistent success, McCarthy’s leadership and the team’s promising performance suggest a brighter future.
As the Harambee Stars continue their rigorous preparations, this night in Marrakech will undoubtedly be remembered as the beginning of a compelling new chapter for Kenyan football on the international stage.
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