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Kenya secured their first win under Benni McCarthy, showing improved form in the second friendly against Chad in Morocco.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy registered his first win since his appointment in March as Kenya defeated Chad 2-1 at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco on Tuesday night.
The victory came in the second friendly match between the two sides, following a goalless draw in their first encounter. The result ends a run of two draws and a defeat for McCarthy in his opening matches in charge.
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With several changes from the first-leg lineup, coach Benni McCarthy fielded a refreshed squad, including Faruk Shikalo in goal. Siraj Mohammed, Sylvester Owino, Swaleh Pamba, and Lewis Bandi formed a new-look backline tasked with keeping Chad at bay. The tactical shake-up paid early dividends.
Emmanuel Osoro gave Kenya the lead in the 17th minute, pouncing on defensive uncertainty to slot home and hand Kenya the initiative.
The forward remained a constant threat and nearly doubled his tally just before the half-hour mark, meeting Austine Odhiambo's cross with a sharp effort that was well saved.
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Despite trailing, Chad showed little attacking ambition. The Central Africans sat deep and looked to strike on the counter, but Kenya's defensive unit remained largely untroubled throughout.
Chad pushed forward in numbers in search of an equalizer, but their attacking intent left gaps at the back. Kenya took full advantage just before the break, with David Sakwa slotting home in the 44th minute to make it 2-0.
Kenya continued to dominate proceedings in the second half, with William Lenkupae again coming close — this time with a glancing header that was narrowly kept out at the near post. As Chad pushed numbers forward in a desperate attempt to shift the momentum, Kenya remained patient and composed in possession.
Mahamat Ali got the Chadian fans on their feet in the 59th minute when he beat the offside trap and headed past Farouk Shikalo to pull one back.
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Kenya looked to extend their lead in the 78th minute, with Austin Odhiambo’s set-piece delivery picking out defender Siraj Mohammed, but he sent his header over the target. Four minutes later, David Sakwa saw his shot kept out by goalkeeper Ndouassel Ezechiel.
Chad came close to an equalizer in the latter minutes of the match through a pin-point header, but Faruk Shikalo produced a fingertip save.
The win caps off a controlled two-leg performance for Harambee Stars, as coach Benni McCarthy continues preparing the team for the CHAN tournament in August.
How they lined up:
Harambee Stars XI: Faruk Shikhalo, Siraj Mohammed, Sylvester Owino, Swaleh Pamba, Lewis Bandi, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, William Lenkupae, Ben Stanley Omondi, David Sakwa, Emmanuel Osoro.
Chad XI: Ndouassel Ezechiel, Tchaouna Haroun, Ali Mahamat Adam, Youssouf Ahmat Moussa, Thiam Mahamat Maintah, Koularambaye Damba, Allarabaye Yves, Nanre Dainkreo Maintan, Noubara Felix, Haroun Abakar Khamis, Mbainaissem Tourdain
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