Benni McCarthy: Lessons That Could Take Harambee Stars to CHAN 2024 Semi-Finals

Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy has been at the helm for just a couple of months, yet the influence he has brought to Kenya's CHAN 2024 campaign has been nothing short of revolutionary.

The side has shaken Group A to the top, collecting two wins and a draw from their first three games, including a history-making win against two-time champions Morocco.

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Victory against Morocco, paired with gritty performances against DR Congo and Angola, has set Kenya at the drawing room of the knockout stages. Now, with Zambia to face in the final game, a victory will qualify them and keep the prospect of a deep run alive.

"It's down to you as a manager to be aware of your players, and see when a player needs a bit of rest," McCarthy was reported saying in defense of the rotation policy that has defined his approach in the group stages. That policy has given fresh legs in big moments as well as set a platform for talented young stars.

From the very start, McCarthy abandoned the set starting line-up for a "rest-and-retain" policy. The players who began against DR Congo were generally rested in the match against Angola, and a few veterans were given temporary breaks.

This drastic action provided room for fresh faces like Mohammed Siraj, Michael Kibwage, Ben Stanley Omondi, and Chrispine Erambo to leave their imprint at international level.

While the tactical rotation has been fruitful, it has not been without its losses. Kenya have faced discipline problems, such as two consecutive red cards — Marvin Nabwire in the Angola and Chrispine Erambo in anotherPhysical battle.

It was during the latter that Ryan Ogam's brilliant goal secured a crucial victory despite being down a man.

McCarthy appreciated the fine line between physical control and costly indiscipline.

"I want my players to be intense with justice, but it cost us two red cards in two games; I would never ask my team to change their game," he insisted. His argument is plain — intensity cannot be compromised, even in defeat.

Against Morocco, McCarthy demonstrated his adaptability. While the defence was secure, he replaced Mohammed Siraj with Aboud Omar late in the game to reinforce the defence line. This was a clear sign that he was willing to be adaptable with on-the-spot plans to gain a result and to save energy in his team.

Byrne Omondi’s performance against Morocco earned him the Man of the Match award and widespread praise for his composure and authority in the penalty area.

The goalkeeper credited the team’s unity for their success. Omondi revealed the rallying cry from the dressing room: a demand for focus, solidarity, and collective fight.

The blend of veteran campaigners and starved new boys has ensured there is healthy competition in the team. Each rotation has been a proving ground for players to establish themselves, while each tactical tweak has left opponents confused.

With Kenya set to face Zambia in their final group match, the stakes are as high as they could ever be. A win would see them qualify for the knockout stages and possibly set an easy path for the final.

McCarthy's combination of flexibility, control of discipline, and tactical bravery has already re-written history for the Harambee Stars — from being underdogs to being actual contenders.

All that is now waiting is for his team to deliver yet another commanding performance to keep the CHAN 2024 dream alive.