- Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has expressed confidence in Harambee Stars beating DR Congo in their first match of the CHAN 2024 tournament.
- CHAN 2024 will be the first high-profile tournament for Benni McCarthy in his managerial stint with Harambee Stars.
- The CHAN 2024 tournament will take place in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania between Saturday, August 2 and Saturday, August 30.
All eyes will be on Benni McCarthy on Sunday, August 3, 2025 when Harambee Stars lock horns with DR Congo in a crunch CHAN 2024 Group A fixture.
McCarthy, who landed the Harambee Stars job earlier this year, will be aiming to start the CHAN 2024 tournament on a high.
However, that will not be easy since his Harambee Stars side is set to come up against the Leopards, who have won the championship twice.
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Benni McCarthy hopes Harambee Stars fans will return home happier after CHAN 2024 opener
Speaking ahead of the game that will be held at the Kasarani Stadium from 15:00 EAT, McCarthy stated that he is looking forward to a huge performance from his charges.
“The excitement we received when I played my first game with the Kenyan national team in the world cup qualifier against Gabon was something I always hold. It was truly special. And I think the players, the love that they received from the fans, so, they went out there and gave their and gave their utmost best. Unfortunately, we came second best in that game.
Just the experience that we had, you know, how we can raise our game when it is like that. I think tomorrow will be the same, maybe even on a bigger scale because Kasarani is a much bigger stadium and from what I have heard, it is a sold out ground. So, I hopefully the players will take it as an opportunity to give joy to the fans,” explained McCarthy.
The tactician, who hails from South Africa, added that their ultimate goal is to secure a win on Sunday.
McCarthy on how Harambee Stars players can benefit from CHAN 2024
McCarthy also described CHAN 2024 as a crucial tournament that has helped build the careers of many African footballers including him.
“It gives you a great platform to make a name for yourself on the local base but it also puts you in the sharp window for the end. You know, opportunities to join overseas and European clubs.
So, I think the tournament is massive for these players and I hope they will use this platform to the best of their ability and the skills showcase. And from there, hopefully we will see a lot of players playing in this CHAN tournament, then get to make it out to the big world where they join European football and that is hope. CHAN tournament was what gave me the platform to showcase my talent,” stated the 47-year-old.
After the DR Congo clash, Harambee Stars will play Angola on Thursday, August 7 before battling it out with former champions Morocco on Sunday, August 10.
Finally, McCarthy and his Harambee Stars army will end their CHAN 2024 group stage campaign with a tricky encounter against Zambia on Sunday, August 17.
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