Harambee Stars vs Chad: Benni McCarthy Defends First-Leg Performance Ahead of Second Clash

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. Image source: Imago

Harambee Stars vs Chad: Benni McCarthy Defends First-Leg Performance Ahead of Second Clash

Abigael Wafula 16:30 - 10.06.2025

Benni McCarthy has taken his words back and revealed what might have cost Harambee Stars a win over Chad.

Benni McCarthy has defended Harambee Stars’ poor show in the first leg of their international friendly against Chad on Saturday night.

McCarthy had initially noted that they wasted a lot of chances and was furious following their goalless draw.

However, in an interview with FKF Media ahead of the second leg on Tuesday night, Benni McCarthy revealed that the weather might have been a little bit harsh, something that led to their poor performance.

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“It’s our first match together for most of these players so you could see there is still a bit, we need to understand each other better but when you dominate a match like this, then you have to be very disappointed that you did not win or did not score goals,” Benni McCarthy told FKF Media earlier.

Benni McCarthy Defends Harambee Stars’ Poor Display Against Chad

Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars played out a goalles draw vs Chad on Saturday. (Credit: FKF Media)

Benni McCarthy lauded the players for dominating the game, however, he was dissatisfied with how they missed chances and failed to score.

The former Manchester United attacking coach observed that the poor weather conditions played a huge role in the loss Harambee Stars had to endure.

He added that the players were not used to such heat, and the time was also not favourable for them, hence the poor display.

“We dominated the game like I said, but it’s no use when you have such possession to dominate the game, but you don’t score goals,” Benni McCarthy said.

“The conditions were extremely high because when you play when it’s 42 degrees, and most of your players are not used to playing at that time, and it’s 4 pm. We had many breaks between the games, but the heat really affected so many players.

“The conditions were terrible, and the boys had better execution, but the conditions did not allow them to play well. it is understandable, and to play football in such conditions is almost impossible.”

As Harambee Stars prepare to take on Chad for the second leg of the international friendlies, Benni McCarthy hopes that they will have adjusted to the weather challenge.