Kenya’s head coach, Benni McCarthy, did not hide his disappointment after Harambee Stars were held to a 0-0 draw by Chad in a friendly match played in Marrakech, Morocco. Ranked 177th globally, Chad was considered underdogs against Kenya, who sit at position 111 in the FIFA rankings. Despite dominating the game in possession and creating multiple chances, the Stars failed to convert any of them.
McCarthy, who took over the team in March, had been looking for his first win in charge. He described the result as “destroying” and said the team lacked patience and cutting edge in the final third.
“We were the better team by far. It was easy to play, but they defended deep, and we didn’t take our time or stay calm,” McCarthy said. “The biggest disappointment is not scoring. We should have had two or three goals.”
The South African coach emphasized the need for his players to be more clinical and show greater urgency. According to him, international matches demand focus and sharp finishing, something the team did not deliver on the day.
McCarthy’s record with the national side so far includes a 3-3 draw with Gambia, a 2-1 defeat to Gabon, and now a goalless match against one of Africa’s lowest-ranked teams. As expectations grow, pressure is mounting for him to deliver a convincing win soon.
The next opportunity comes quickly, with Kenya set to face Chad again on Tuesday in the return leg. That match could be pivotal in defining McCarthy’s impact as head coach.
Looking ahead, Kenya is also preparing for the upcoming CHAN tournament, which kicks off on August 2 in East Africa. With just weeks to go, building chemistry and improving finishing will be key if the team hopes to make a strong impression on home soil.
By Yockshard Enyendi