- Harambee Stars claimed their first win under Benni McCarthy, defeating Chad in a friendly match played on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.
- Kenya beat Chad 2-1, courtesy of goals from Emmanuel Osoro and David Sakwa, while Ali Mahamat scored the solo goal for Chad.
- The first encounter between the two sides, held over the weekend, had ended in a goalless stalemate.
Red hot FC Talanta forward Emmanuel Osoro found the back of the net with his maiden goal as Harambee Stars secured Benni McCarthy’s first victory with the national team, edging Chad 1-2 in a friendly clash at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco on Tuesday evening.
The decisive second goal came courtesy of Bandari attacker David Sakwa just before halftime, ensuring Ali Mahamat’s solitary strike for Chad could not spoil McCarthy’s celebratory debut win.
The first encounter between the two nations over the weekend had ended in a goalless stalemate.
To assess the depth of his squad, McCarthy made sweeping changes as he retaining only two players from the initial lineup: Gor Mahia’s midfielder Alpha Onyango and William Lenkupae.
ALSO READ: Why McCarthy was left fuming after Harambee Stars’ frustrating draw against Chad
Emmanuel Osoro scores his maiden goal with Harambee Stars
Kenya began the match with high intensity, carving out an early opportunity from deep in defense.
A sweeping cross found David Sakwa on the left wing, who made an incisive run into the box, only for Chad’s defense to deny him a clean shot on target.
Emmanuel Osoro’s historic moment arrived in the 17th minute. The electrifying forward latched onto a precise delivery from Ben Stanley Omondi of Gor Mahia and finished with aplomb, handing Kenya a deserved lead.
Just before halftime, the dominant Harambee Stars doubled their advantage.
This time, Osoro turned provider, setting up Sakwa for a composed finish that gave McCarthy’s side a comfortable cushion heading into the break.
Chad pull one back in the second half
Chad, despite limited opportunities in the first half, managed to pull one back after the interval. A lapse in Kenya’s defensive coordination allowed Ali Mahamat to score with a clinical header from a well-executed Yousouf Ahmat cross.
Moments later, Beja Nyamawi thought he had extended Kenya’s lead with a slick volley pass from Osoro, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
Tahir Zakaria charges then threatened with two dangerous attempts in quick succession, but Kenya’s defense regrouped to deny an equalizer.
Substitute Adam Wilson nearly restored the two-goal advantage with a low strike, but Chad goalkeeper Mbainaissem Jourdain reacted sharply to deny him.
Despite several promising attacks in the closing stages, the Harambee Stars could not add a third.
Nevertheless, they held firm to clinch the win McCarthy’s first in charge as preparations continue for the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 slated for August.
Harambee Stars starting XI vs Chad
Farouk Shikhalo; Siraj Mohammed, Sylvester Owino, Swaleh Pamba, Lewis Bandi; Alpha Onyango(Captain), Austine Odhiambo, William Lenkupae; Ben Stanley Omondi, David Sakwa, Emmanuel Osoro.
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