Harambee Stars stunned Morocco 1-0 in their third group stage match at the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), and one of the biggest talking points was the bold squad overhaul by coach Benni McCarthy. The decision saw several regular starters, including captain Aboud Omar and attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo, left out of the starting XI.
McCarthy opted to rotate almost the entire lineup from the first two matches against DR Congo and Angola. He introduced fresh faces to counter Morocco, who were widely tipped as favourites. The move was a calculated tactical choice, not a gamble, according to the coach.
Explaining his decision, McCarthy revealed that fatigue was the primary reason for the changes. After two intense group games, many of his key players were showing signs of tiredness. Rather than risk them against a high-intensity opponent, he relied on squad depth, bringing in players who had not yet started in the tournament but were eager to make their mark.
He stressed that it was about “knowing and trusting your players” rather than taking unnecessary risks. No one in the team complained about the selection, but he could tell from training and match performance that rest was needed for some of his most relied-upon stars.
The strategy paid off. The new-look side brought energy and hunger to the game, pressing Morocco and creating clear scoring chances in the first half. Apart from one dangerous free kick, Morocco’s main threat came from crosses, which Kenya’s defence handled with composure.
McCarthy praised the fresh players for stepping up, noting that their desire to prove themselves pushed them to deliver outstanding performances. He was particularly pleased with how the changes balanced the team and kept the intensity high throughout the match.
By the final whistle, Kenya had secured a famous win over the two-time champions, keeping their quarterfinal hopes alive. The result also highlighted the depth in the Harambee Stars squad, showing that anyone selected could deliver under pressure.
As the team turns its attention to the final group stage clash with Zambia, McCarthy remains confident. He believes the squad’s adaptability and competitive spirit will be key as they look to seal progression in the tournament.
