'I Had to Stand Up' – Ben Stanley on How Benni McCarthy Fueled His Comeback Against Morocco

Harambee Stars midfielder Ben Stanley Omondi has revealed how Benni McCarthy and his teammates inspired him to bounce back to winning ways in Kenya’s match against Morocco in the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).

Ben Stanley Omondi was named in the first 11 and played throughout the match as Harambee Stars secured a 1-0 victory over the two-time CHAN champions on Sunday, August 10.

The Gor Mahia midfielder had made errors in the first few matches against two-time champions DR Congo and Angola, but he oozed class in Harambee Stars' match against the Atlas Lions.

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After the match against the Atlas Lions, Ben Stanley Omondi revealed that being a starter against Morocco was a huge motivation.

He revealed that Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy and his teammates were very instrumental in how he bounced back and made a mark for Kenya.

Ben Stanley Omondi noted that in the first two matches, he was not strong mentally, something that made him commit a series of errors, but added that he has since bounced back.

“I feel great and more motivated because the coach believes in me. I have made a few mistakes in the previous matches, but the coach has shown that I can improve, so it’s a motivation,” Ben Stanley Omondi revealed.

“This is football…there are days when things will work and others when things will be off, it’s a mentality thing. The coach has been motivating me, and other players have also been working with me and encouraging me. I had to stand up, and the moment came and took it.”

The 21-year-old added that fans motivate players to give their all, noting that even when they go up against big teams, they somehow manage to impress.

He pointed out that in their match against Morocco, many people had no faith that Harambee Stars would win, but they defied all odds to claim top honours.

“There is no pressure, it is actually a motivation, we need the support and need people to push us. Even when we play against big teams, we are motivated because of the support from the fans. Many people came and believed that we do not stand a chance to win,” he added.

As Harambee Stars prepare for their final group stage match against Zambia on Sunday, Ben Stanley Omondi remains confident that they will make a mark once more time.