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Five things learnt from Harambee Stars' 2-1 win over Chad as Benni McCarthy registers first ever win as Harambee Stars manager.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars registered a confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Chad on Tuesday night at the Stade de Marrakech, Morocco, handing newly appointed head coach Benni McCarthy his first win since taking over in March. The victory followed a goalless draw in their first friendly encounter and ended a run of two draws and one loss under McCarthy.
This match wasn’t just about the result—it was a litmus test for the team’s depth, tactical flexibility, and readiness for future competitions like the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Here are five key takeaways from the promising performance.
This win may not have been flawless, but it was symbolic and significant. It marks the beginning of Benni McCarthy’s tenure in earnest—where ideas are being tested, young talents are being trusted, and tactical experimentation is welcomed.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
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21:58 - 10.06.2025
Benni McCarthy Wins First Game as Harambee Stars Beat Chad in Friendly
Kenya secured their first win under Benni McCarthy, showing improved form in the second friendly against Chad in Morocco.
If Kenya can build on this momentum, especially with the CHAN qualifiers on the horizon, the Harambee Stars might just be on the cusp of a revitalized, competitive era under McCarthy’s leadership.
Benni McCarthy’s Shake Up Works
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Benni McCarthy chose to make nine changes to the squad with an eye on seeing what more players he took to Morocco to assess would do.
McCarthy chose to start Faruk Shikhalo in goal, with Brian Bwire dropping to the bench. In defense, Siraj Mohammed, Sylvester Owino, Swaleh Pamba, and Lewis Bandi formed a new-look backline, with Daniel Sakari, Alphonce Omija, Brian Mandela and Abud Omar dropping to the bench.
In midfield Alpha Onyango retained his place, but Brian Musa was dropped for Austine Odhiambo with support from the energetic William Lenkupae who kept his place in the team.
Ben Stanley Omondi started as a right winger with the freedom to drop infield and create overloads to unlock the lowblock Chad Set up
David Sakwa started on the left, with Emmanuel Osoro upfront, with Boniface Muchiri, Adam Wilson and Moses Shumah dropping to the bench. Within the opening 20 minutes, Osoro would be netting the opening goal, before Sakwa made it two, goals that were enough to win the game in the end even if Chad clawed one back.
McCathy will have been pleased with the depth and the qualities the players who started brought to the team.
Farouk Shikalo Could Do Better Commanding His Area
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Farouk Shikalo did not have alot to do, but should have done better with the goal he conceded, where he mistimed the header by scorer Ali Mahmat.
Although he is a good shotstopper, he has problems coming for areal balls, which is an unfortunate common theme with most Kenyan goalkeepers.
Perhaps it may be time to bring back Byrne Omondi, who has not featured in a Harambee Stars shirt since January when he was subbed off at halftime during their 2-1 win over Tanzania at the Mapinduzi Cup.
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17:45 - 10.06.2025
Harambee Starlets Coach Beldine Odemba Names Squad for CECAFA Senior Championships
Beldine Odemba has unveiled an inexperienced squad ahead of the CECAFA Women's Senior Championships.
Emmanuel Osoro & Lewis Bandi Grab Their Chances
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Several players impressed during the match, including Ben Stanley Omondi who grabbed an assist on his first full start for the country, but Emmanuel Osoro and Lewis Bandi were the undisputed biggest winners.
Bandi started at right back and just like at club level for AFC Leopards, inverted into the midfield nonchalantly to create overloads, and had a 90 minutes to enjoy.
Emmanuel Osoro also scored on his debut after timing his run to perfection after getting on the end of a good cross by Ben Stanley Omondi, before playing as a left inside forward for the second half. If his form at Talanta is anything to go by, he is a sure shoo-in for the 2024 CHAN squad.
Efficiency in front of Goal Improves
Kenya were more clinical in front of goal, although to be fair, the scoreline flatters to deceive as they would probably have scored more goals.
For the second goal, it was a classic case of two players overloading the box in a transitional situation when Siraj Mohammed got into the final third before cutting the ball back across goal for David Sakwa to score his maiden goal for the club.
This could be a strategy to try and get more goals from different sources rather than rely on one source only for goals.
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21:29 - 08.06.2025
Austin Odhiambo: 3 Potential Destinations for Gor Mahia’s Midfield Maestro
Gor Mahia's midfield star Austin Odhiambo has previously attracted transfer interest and will likely spark again as the season culminates.
Harambee Stars May Need More Midfield Presence Ahead of CHAN
Harambee Stars definitely need more presence in midfield for future games, especially ahead of CHAN 2024.
Perhaps that is the reason McCarthy had drafted Victor Wanyama into the squad before the former Tottenham midfielder withdrew from the squad.
Perhaps players like AFC Leopards pair of Boniface Munyendo and Musa Oundo, as well as other players like Chris Erambo and Michael Mutinda be considered further down the line.
This win may not have been flawless, but it was symbolic and significant. It marks the beginning of Benni McCarthy’s tenure in earnest—where ideas are being tested, young talents are being trusted, and tactical experimentation is welcomed.
If Kenya can build on this momentum, especially with the CHAN qualifiers on the horizon, the Harambee Stars might just be on the cusp of a revitalized, competitive era under McCarthy’s leadership.
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12:45 - 09.06.2025
Wolves Line Up Man City-Bound Rayan Ait-Nouri Replacement With Exciting Harambee Stars Prospect Valued At 1.2 Billion
Wolves are looking to replace Man City-headed Rayan Ait-Nouri with the Danish-born Kenyan flanker, whose move to Brighton last February failed to materialise.
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