In a show of tactical discipline, the Harambee Stars, under new head coach Benni McCarthy, battled to a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Morocco.
The win was a statement of resilience, coming despite the team being reduced to 10 men early in the match after midfielder Crispine Erambo was shown a straight red card following a VAR review in the first half.
Playing a man down for the majority of the game, Kenya displayed steely organisation and defensive focus — qualities that already appear to define McCarthy’s coaching approach.
Benedict “Benni” Saul McCarthy, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest football legends, is a UEFA Champions League winner with FC Porto and the all-time top scorer for South Africa’s national team with 31 goals.
McCarthy took charge of Kenya’s national team in March 2025 on a contract running through to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host.
His appointment followed a successful spell as a first-team coach at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.
The former striker enjoyed a glittering playing career in Europe, featuring for Ajax in the Netherlands — where he won the Eredivisie and two KNVB Cups — and FC Porto in Portugal, where he played a pivotal role in Jose Mourinho’s 2004 Champions League-winning side.
He remains the only South African to have lifted the UEFA Champions League.
McCarthy also starred in the English Premier League with Blackburn Rovers and ended his career in his homeland with Orlando Pirates, winning the league title.
His coaching career began in South Africa with Cape Town City and AmaZulu before his move to Old Trafford.
McCarthy credits much of his tactical insight to Mourinho, whom he first met at Porto in 2002. Their mentor-mentee bond shaped his philosophy — one built on a player-centred approach, emotional drive, and a champion’s mindset.
Since taking charge of the Harambee Stars, McCarthy has not only instilled defensive discipline but also inspired belief. He has so far led Kenya on an unbeaten run at the CHAN tournament.
