CHAN 2024: 3 Coaches with Point to Prove Including Benni McCarthy

African football will take center stage on August 2 as the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicks off, with coaches from across the continent plotting their path to triumph.

Several giants will be looking to retain their status, while others aim to make history.

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Among the tacticians leading the charge are Mauritania’s Aritz López Garai, Senegal’s Souleymane Diallo, and Kenya’s Benni McCarthy — three men with everything to prove on Africa’s grand stage as per African Football.

Mauritania's Spanish head coach, Aritz López Garai, steps into his first major continental tournament with an ambitious goal — to show the world that Les Mourabitounes’ breakout performance in the last CHAN was no fluke.

In 2022, Mauritania stunned the continent by making it out of the group stage for the first time in their history. This year, the bar is higher, and the competition stiffer.

“I think the draw is a difficult one. Having one of the host nations in our group makes things even more complex. We respect all our opponents, but we hope to qualify for the next round of the competition,” said Garai, speaking to CAFOnline.com.

The west African nation will face Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Madagascar, and hosts Tanzania — a grueling four-game schedule in Group B.

The former Spanish international knows the odds are stacked against him but sees the challenge as motivation.

“Improving on our previous performance is a great motivation, but it’s also a major challenge. The circumstances are very different now. Last time, we were in a three-team group and played just two matches. This time, we are in a group of five and will play four very tough games.”

Still, Garai remains committed to making Mauritania proud, saying, “I intend to make the country proud.”

Senegal head coach Souleymane Diallo steps into CHAN 2024 with the heavy burden of defending the Lions of Teranga’s title.

Champions of the last edition, Senegal overcame Algeria in a dramatic penalty shootout to lift the trophy. Now, Diallo leads a largely new squad into battle, with just one returning player from that victorious side.

Despite the pressure, Diallo is confident in his team’s potential.

“I am convinced that I have chosen the best players for this mission. On the day of the competition, I hope these boys will prove me right,” he told CAFOnline.com.

Senegal’s previous CHAN appearances were inconsistent, including a long absence from the tournament before their 2022 win.

This time, Diallo wants to solidify Senegal’s reputation as a continental powerhouse and showcase the depth of talent in the nation’s domestic league.

Kenya’s CHAN 2024 debut will be one to watch, and head coach Benni McCarthy is determined to use the occasion to spark a footballing revolution.

The South African legend, now at the helm of the Harambee Stars, sees the tournament as the perfect opportunity to shift Kenya’s footballing narrative.

“We have a great opportunity with two-time champions in the DRC and Morocco, Angola which is also very well respected as well as a tough nation in Zambia who have always been there in Africa football. And now, we have a Kenya who want to have a taste of the top,” said McCarthy.

“This is our time and the squad we have gathered is hungry and want success. How better than start this in your own backyard.”

Appointed in March, McCarthy brings pedigree and passion to a team eager to prove itself.

“This will be a massive challenge and a good test for the boys as well. We will be ready and come CHAN, I can very confidently state that we will be a team fearful of no one,” he declared.