CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy on How Harambee Stars Will Tame ‘Unpredictable’ Morocco

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has outlined his game plan to neutralise Morocco when the two sides clash in a decisive CHAN 2024 Group A fixture at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

The Harambee Stars sit top of the table after a 1-0 win over two-time champions DR Congo and a battling 1-1 draw against Angola, a match in which they played with 10 men for almost 70 minutes. 

Victory on Sunday would make Kenya only the third debutant in CHAN history to reach the knockout stages — and they would achieve it by toppling one of the tournament’s giants.

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McCarthy’s opposite number, Tarik Sektioui, is a familiar face. The pair first met in 1997 at the African Youth Championship in Morocco, where Sektioui inspired his nation to a 1-0 win over South Africa in the final, earning Player of the Tournament honours.

 McCarthy, then on the verge of his professional breakthrough, missed the decider due to suspension.

Speaking ahead of the showdown, McCarthy acknowledged Morocco’s strength and unpredictability, crediting their strong domestic league and talented squad.

“Morocco is one of the most competitive teams in Africa,” McCarthy said. “They come out fast, try to score early, then sit in a low block and wait to counter. If we can keep them at bay in the early stages, we’ll have a great chance.”

The South African tactician stressed that discipline, organisation, and clinical finishing will be key.

“Their coach was a former teammate of mine at Porto — a very adventurous winger. He sets up his team in the same way he played, so they’ll come for us.

“ But if we stay disciplined and stick to our tactics, we can force them to play in a way they don’t want to,” McCarthy added.

Kenya will need to remain focused from the first whistle to the last if they are to extend their fairy-tale debut in the tournament and upset one of Africa’s most respected football nations.