‘They Want to Break Players’ Legs’ - Benni McCarthy Slams Burundi’s ‘Anti-Football’ Tactics on Harambee Stars

Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy believes Burundi got away with so much following their highly physical approach on his players during their World Cup qualifier.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has hit out a Burundi for playing a physical game that nearly left his players in ruins during their World Cup qualifier in Bujumbura on Thursday.

Kenya won 1-0 courtesy of Ryan Ogam’s well-taken goal in the second half but it was a tough outing for McCarthy’s men who struggled to get going on the artificial turf at Intwari Stadium.

Burundi employed a physical approach with some hard tackles flying from the Swallows and goalkeeper Brian Bwire was on the end of one, leading to a horror injury early in the contest.

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Kenya’s rhythm was greatly affected by Burundi’s approach, added to the pitch conditions, and McCarthy was left furious that their hosts were let off the hook.

McCarthy Not Impressed by Swallows’ Tactics

“Burundi, very physical, they got away with a lot of things but in normal circumstances in better conditions, better surface, better football, I doubt my players would be as physical as they were because that was not real football,” McCarthy said after the match.

“I know we want to win; they want to win but to do a performance like they did. They want to break players’ legs. I did not come here to Burundi to receive this kind of football. They are a very good team, they have got good players but you play a fair game.”

McCarthy is delighted that his players were not cowed in the end and did everything to win the game which is justice somewhat for the way they were treated on the pitch.

Kenya’s Coach Happy that Justice Was Served

“I am super proud of my players for the performance they gave in almost impossible conditions,” added the South African coach.

“We showed character, determination, that we are a good football nation and we respect our hosts because my players could have been much worse than they were there but we respected the opposition. But we did not receive any respect because that for me was not football so justice was served.”

Kenya’s win saw them move to third in Group F with 12 points from nine matches although they are out of the running for a World Cup ticket and it gives them belief ahead of their final qualifier against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.