After guiding Harambee Stars through the 'Group of Death', coach Benni McCarthy hit back at Tanzanian fans' criticism, warning them they will now face their own test against Morocco.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has aimed a dig at Tanzania’s Taifa Stars after Kenya conquered the ‘Group of Death’ in the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).
Taifa Stars fans, however, have been critical of Harambee Stars' style of play, noting that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) played a big part in saving Kenya, especially in the match against Angola.
The match saw Angola take the lead through Joaquim Paciencia in the 7th minute before Harambee Stars responded through a penalty by Austin Odhiambo.
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Angola thought they had won it late through Joao Chingando Manha’s header, but VAR ruled it out for offside, a crucial call that saw Kenya hold on for a vital CHAN 2024 point.
"Wakenya utaratibu wenu wa kutuma president wenu kwenye VAR hatutaki. Juzi mlituma president kwenye VAR wakati mmefungwa. Mnatimu mbovu," fans hilariously said.
“Taifa Stars wakikutana na Kenya, tutawapiga kumi. Wakenya mnaingia uwanjani bure."
Benni McCarthy Claps Back at Tanzania
Now, Harambee Stars have finished their group stage campaign on a high, earning 10 points ahead of two-time CHAN champions Morocco, who have nine.
Harambee Stars started their campaign with a 1-0 win over DR Congo before holding Angola to a 1-1 draw. They later claimed a 1-0 victory over Morocco and then rounded up their group stage campaign with a 1-0 win over Zambia.
DR Congo, also two-time CHAN champions, came in third with six points, with Angola finishing fourth with four points. Zambia have exited the tournament having not picked up a point from their four matches.
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Harambee Stars will play their quarterfinal match against Madagascar on home soil, with Tanzania set to face off against a strong Moroccan side.
Benni McCarthy noted that the Tanzanian fans made light work of Harambee Stars' efforts, and it is now time for them to go through what they endured in their match against Morocco.
“I would have liked it to be more, but at the end of the day, I'm happy with the win. We get to play our next match in the quarterfinals,” Benni McCarthy said in a post-match press conference.
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“We stay in Kenya, and that was the most important. So, Tanzania will get their wish, and they will experience what we experienced, the group of death.
“Now, Morocco is going to Tanzania. So, I want feedback after the Morocco game so that they know what we went through every game in this tournament. So, yeah. So, good luck to Tanzania in the next round.”
Meanwhile, Tanzania have been impressive in Group B, sitting top with a perfect 10 points from their four matches. They have secured a place in the quarterfinal, going up against Morocco.