Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo has credited coach Benni McCarthy for a decisive tactical adjustment that helped Kenya defeat Zambia and secure top spot in their group at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).
Kenya sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia to finish first in Group A, a pool that also included heavyweights Morocco, DR Congo, and Angola. Against the odds, the Stars emerged leaders with 10 points, one ahead of Morocco, setting up a quarter-final clash against Madagascar in Nairobi.
The showdown against Chipolopolo was anything but straightforward. Zambia proved difficult to break down, keeping Kenya at bay for long stretches of the match. With the game threatening to end in a stalemate that would have left Kenya second in the group, McCarthy intervened with key second-half changes.
The coach introduced Masoud Juma and Boniface Muchiri, shifting to a more direct system with two strikers. This tactical tweak transformed the game almost instantly. Juma tested the Zambian goalkeeper with a powerful header before linking up with Ulinzi Stars forward Ryan Ogam, who struck the decisive goal to seal the win.
Speaking after the game, Austin Odhiambo praised the move, noting how the substitutions injected fresh energy and gave Kenya an edge in the final third.
“In the second half, the coach decided to go more direct with two strikers. Luckily, we have a good team and the ones that came in gave us a win, and that is all we were looking for,” Odhiambo explained.
The win carried more significance than just group leadership. By finishing top, Harambee Stars earned the chance to play their quarter-final at home in front of their fans at Kasarani Stadium a major boost for the players.
“It is a good feeling, and we will also be able to play our quarter-final here at home because we topped the group. That is enough motivation, and we hope all fans will be in the stadium,” added Odhiambo.
With belief soaring under McCarthy, Kenya will now aim to extend their fine run when they face Madagascar on Friday, hoping to secure a semi-final berth and continue their fairytale journey in CHAN 2024.
