McCarthy's bold squad choices lift Harambee Stars to the brink of history
Sports
By
Sydney Aganda
| Aug 13, 2025
Coach Benni McCarthy of Harambee Stars in their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship match against Morocco at The Moi International Sports Center on Sunday. Aug 10, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
Kenya’s Harambee Stars' march toward the CHAN 2024 knockout stage intensified after a historic victory on Sunday over two-time champions Morocco and three group-stage matches without a defeat.
With one game remaining in Group A, a win over Zambia would seal a place in the quarter-finals and keep Benni McCarthy’s plans firmly on track.
Group A has produced drama and delight in equal measure, a section fondly dubbed the “group of death.” Kenya, once viewed as underdogs, have surged to the top, collecting two wins and a draw from their three fixtures. McCarthy’s leadership has earned broad support from a country hungry for progress, as he has consistently trusted his squad and his tactical approach.
The coach’s decision to rotate players across the opening matches drew both praise and debate. From the DR Congo and Angola clashes to the pivotal showdown with Morocco, McCarthy opted for a flexible, rest-and-retain strategy rather than a fixed starting XI. Players who featured against DR Congo largely remained unused against Angola, with a few veterans omitted and several newcomers handed opportunities to prove themselves. Among the fresh faces making a mark were Mohammed Siraj, Michael Kibwage, Ben Stanley Omondi, and Chrispine Erambo, who have impressed on the international stage.
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“As a coach, you have to see and understand your players, and it is for you to recognise when it is time to give a player some rest", McCarthy said.
Yet the bright run has not come without risk. Harambee Stars have had to navigate discipline challenges, including back-to-back red cards in two matches. Marvin Nabwire was dismissed against Angola, and Chrispine Erambo followed suit in a match that also featured Ryan Ogam’s sensational goal. Those incidents have left Kenya short-handed at critical moments and exposed vulnerabilities that opponents have sought to exploit.
McCarthy pressed on, insisting that attacking intent and aggression must be maintained without compromising fairness. “I want my players to have aggression with fairness, but it cost us two red cards in two matches; I will never tell my team to change their playing style,” he said.
Strategic Game Management
In the Morocco clash, McCarthy demonstrated his breadth of tactical thinking. With Siraj Mohammed and other defenders stepping up, he made a late substitution, replacing Mohammed Siraj with Aboud Omar to shore up the backline as the game wore on. The decision underlined his willingness to adapt on the fly to preserve results and manage fatigue.
Star performers in the campaign have helped fuel the team’s momentum. Byrne Omondi, named Man of the Match in the Morocco fixture, earned praise for his authoritative presence and command in the 18-yard box, contributing to a compact and confident display at the back. Omondi highlighted the locker-room message that sparked a convincing performance: a insistence on unity, focus, and collective effort.
What’s next
With one match left, Kenya sit poised for the knockout rounds. A positive result against Zambia would guarantee a spot in the quarter-finals and potentially position the team for a deep run in the tournament. Supporters will be eager to see what further surprises McCarthy might unveil as he continues to balance experience with opportunity for rising stars.
In the lead-up to the final group game, all eyes will be on how Kenya navigates the remaining minutes, maintains discipline, and translates momentum into decisive, high-quality football as they chase a historic CHAN 2024 run.