Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has embraced the daunting Group A of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a mix of humour and determination. As Kenya prepares to co-host the continental tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the South African tactician remains optimistic despite being drawn against some of Africa’s toughest sides.
Kenya will face two-time champions DR Congo, North African powerhouse Morocco, perennial dark horses Angola, and former African champions Zambia in what is widely considered the “group of death.” Yet for McCarthy, this is not a cause for concern—it’s a golden opportunity.
Taking a light-hearted jab at the tournament draw, McCarthy humorously pointed fingers at former Kenyan international Macdonald Mariga, who participated in the draw ceremony. However, the jovial tone quickly gave way to serious reflection as McCarthy outlined his ambitions.
He stressed that for any team with continental aspirations, beating top-tier opposition is a necessary step. “The difficult teams will always be in your path, and you have to beat them anyway,” he noted, urging his players to embrace the challenge rather than fear it.
McCarthy sees CHAN 2024 as more than just a football tournament. For him, it’s a platform for Kenya to prove itself as an emerging footballing power on the continent. “We have Kenya, a nation that wants to have a taste of the top. This is our time. The squad we have gathered is hungry and wants success,” he said.
One of the major factors working in Kenya’s favour is home advantage. Playing in front of home fans, in familiar stadiums, McCarthy believes, offers the kind of energy that can turn tough matches into historic victories. “How better than to start this in your own backyard?” he posed.
While acknowledging the enormity of the task, McCarthy remains firm in his belief that his team is up for the challenge. He emphasized the mental and tactical preparation the squad has undergone and declared his side will not be intimidated.
With CHAN 2024 fast approaching, McCarthy’s blend of confidence, strategic focus, and belief in his players could be the key to unlocking one of Kenya’s greatest footballing moments.
