Gor Mahia Duo Among 5 Big Winners Following Benni McCarthy’s First Win as Harambee Stars Manager

Five big winners from the recent Harambee Stars' Chad exploits during the June international window that surely left Benni McCarthy impressed.

Kenya’s 2-1 victory over Chad in Marrakech wasn’t just a milestone for newly appointed head coach Benni McCarthy—it was also a showcase for several emerging and established players staking their claim for a spot in the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.

Following a goalless draw in the first friendly, McCarthy's side delivered a more dynamic performance in the second encounter, suggesting that the South African tactician’s ideas are beginning to take shape.

 Here's a look at the five standout players who made the most of this international window.

Emmanuel Osoro

Emmanuel Osoro certainly grabbed the chance he was given by Benni McCarthy, particularly in the second clash between both sides in which he played the entire duration of the match.

In the first half, he played as a center forward, and even found the back of the net after getting on the end of a good cross by Gor Mahia’s Ben Stanley Omondi (more on him later).

In the second half with McCarthy subbing on Beja Nyamawi, he was shifted to the left wing, where he played as an inside forward who drifted infield to get into goalscoring positions.

He was a threat making runs off the shoulder of the last defender -as illustrated by his maiden goal for the country - and then as an inside forward, threatened with his direct running and willingness to get into the box, and he even scored a second goal but it was flagged off for offside.

Should he stay fit and maintain his form, he will be a shoo-in for the upcoming African Nations Championship squad.

Ben Stanley Omondi

The Gor Mahia midfielder -who is on loan from Migori Youth - was given his first start against Chad and grabbed his chance with both hands.

Omondi assisted the first goal playing as a right winger who created overloads in midfield, and was a joy to behold with his willingness to pass the ball forward at every available opportunity.

He is a good option to have to help solve the creative burden laid upon the shoulders of Austin Odhiambo.

Alpha Onyango

Starting in both matches, Alpha Onyango was central to Harambee Stars' stability in midfield.

He dictated play in the draw and was even more influential in the return leg, breaking up attacks and transitioning play effectively.

He broke lines with ease, particularly when deployed on the base of a three-man axis in a 4-3-3 set up, having started the first game as a double pivot midfielder alongside Brian Musa.

Benni McCarthy even gave him the captain’s armband in what was only his second match for the national team, showing the trust the South African already has in the midfielder who has already scored five goals in all competitions for Gor Mahia this season. 

Boniface Muchiri

One of the most experienced players in the squad, Boniface Muchiri impressed particularly in his first game for the side. 

Muchiri started as a left winger in the first game, and made intelligent runs off Moses Shumah on multiple occasions. He also created a couple of good chances for the side during the match, particularly for William Lenkupae, who unfortunately fluffed his lines.

He also made some excellent set-piece deliveries, which will be a useful weapon during the 2024 CHAN.

Austin Odhiambo

Austin Odhiambo was a revelation with his willingness to pass the ball forward whenever the opportunity allowed him to.

He carried the ball dynamically, found spaces between the lines and pockets intelligently and was good at spraying progressive passes forward during the game, although his teammates could not find the back of the net.

However, there were moments where his teammates could not match his intensity, with Moses Shumah in particular, trying and failing to link up the play when he dropped deep to receive the ball for one-twos on a couple of occasions.

However, there are promising signs that the side will get better as they continue building up for CHAN.

Lewis Bandi

Aside from Emmanuel Osoro, you may make a compelling case for Lewis Bandi as another player that left with his reputation better than when he touched down in Morocco.

Bandi started at right back for the second match having started the first game on the bench and just like at club level for AFC Leopards, inverted into the midfield nonchalantly to create overloads, and had a 90 minutes to enjoy.

Benni McCarthy’s first win as Harambee Stars manager wasn’t just about breaking a winless run—it was about laying foundations for a new-look national team. 

From Osoro’s attacking hunger to Alpha Onyango’s midfield control, several players stepped up and showed that Kenya has a deep well of talent to tap into.

With CHAN qualifiers looming, McCarthy’s squad is starting to take shape—and if these performances are anything to go by, the future looks promising.