- 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.
- Following a goalless stalemate in their initial clash during this international break, it was Emmanuel Osoro’s opener and David Sakwa’s decisive strike that sealed the victory for the Kenyan side.
- Since taking over the team in March this year, McCarthy has overseen four matches – one win, two draws, and one loss.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy was left a delighted man after securing his first victory since taking charge of the national team in March this year.
The win came on Tuesday, June 10, when Harambee Stars edged out Chad 2-1 in an international friendly match held at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.
Following a goalless stalemate in their initial clash during this international break, it was Emmanuel Osoro’s opener and David Sakwa’s decisive strike that clinched the win for the Kenyan side.
Chad’s solo goal came via a header from Ali Mahamat in the second half.
ALSO READ: McCarthy secures first win as Harambee Stars hold on against Chad
Speaking after the match, the former Manchester United first-team coach expressed satisfaction with his squad’s performance, particularly after the disappointment of the earlier draw.
I’m very happy for the boys. I think they’ve had a really good week in camp. We had a great time and got to know each other very well. The training sessions have been good and I think the boys became closer. In the first match, they played very well but the only thing missing was the win.
You know, when you play well, you need to win. You could see it on the players’ faces that day the frustration when you don’t get the result,” McCathry said after the match.
The South African tactician noted that the display on Tuesday was something he hopes to build on as the team prepares for the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 qualifiers.
Today I told them to kick on. If they play the way we did, create chances, and take them, you’ll see how easy the game becomes. I think the boys who came in did really well – they seized their moments and created much more.
It was great to see them playing the way any coach would want his team to play. You want the players to move, connect and understand each other, and we saw a lot of that positivity today. I’m delighted for the team. They got the win they deserved, and I hope we can build on this.”
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Reflecting on how they turned the previous draw into a win against the same opponent, McCarthy credited improved sharpness in front of goal and tactical discipline.
I think it was based on our first game against them. We did well, but where we fell short was in being clinical. So, in the training session we had yesterday before the game, the focus was on players being comfortable on the ball, building up play, and knowing what to do once they crossed the halfway line attacking with speed and moving the ball more quickly.
There was a lot of movement: players switching sides, getting to the touchline, delivering crosses, and others making runs into the box especially to the near post.
That’s exactly how the first goal came about. Ben Stanley got down the flank, delivered a beautiful cross, and Emmanuel Osoro made the near-post run we had talked about. He was rewarded with a great finish,” he explained.
McCarthy’s record with Harambee Stars (so far)
- Gambia 3-3 Kenya (FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
- Kenya 1-2 Gabon (FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
- Chad 0-0 Kenya (International Friendly)
- Kenya 2-1 Chad (International Friendly)
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