Kenyan football is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with Harambee Stars’ quarter-final run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) serving as the clearest sign yet. Under the guidance of head coach Benni McCarthy, the team defied expectations and showed a level of tactical maturity, resilience, and belief rarely seen in recent years.
McCarthy took charge in March 2025 and, despite having only five weeks to prepare for CHAN, masterminded one of Kenya’s most memorable tournament campaigns. Harambee Stars not only advanced past the group stages of a continental competition for the first time in history but also finished top of a difficult Group A. That pool included powerhouses DR Congo, Zambia, Angola, and eventual champions Morocco.
What stood out most was McCarthy’s tactical bravery. Kenya defeated Morocco against the odds and managed to grind out results even when reduced to ten men. His ability to rotate the squad without disrupting cohesion was another standout feature. In one game, he made as many as seven changes, yet the team still delivered a winning performance. This flexibility instilled confidence in players and allowed new faces on the international stage to shine.
Beyond tactics, McCarthy has been instrumental in restoring belief. For years, Kenyan fans and players alike questioned whether the country could compete with Africa’s football giants. CHAN 2024 proved otherwise. The coach made Kenyans believe again, bringing smiles to supporters and proving that local talent, if well-organized, can compete at the highest level.
His work was made even more impressive by the challenges faced before the tournament. Key players left for club commitments abroad, yet McCarthy managed to build a squad that combined discipline with attacking flair. Instead of focusing on missed opportunities like the CECAFA tournament, he used the limited preparation time wisely to craft a competitive unit.
The momentum from CHAN 2024 has created genuine optimism about the future of Kenyan football. With World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Harambee Stars will look to carry that same energy into matches against The Gambia and Seychelles in September. The belief is that Kenya now has not just a coach but a leader capable of guiding them into a new era of consistent continental and global competitiveness.
