Kenya vs Morocco: 6 Benni McCarthy Bold Changes That Ended Atlas Lions Streak

Dream are made in afternoons such as these — in the golden light of Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where ten-man Harambee Stars pulled off a legendary victory over two-time champions Morocco 1-0 during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Overwhelmingly against expectations and a red card that halved their might, the Kenyans not only won a legendary win but also ended Morocco's 14-game unbeaten run in the tournament.

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The brains behind the shock? Coach Benni McCarthy, who brought out six "secret cards" — surprise changes to his first line-up that left Morocco in the dark from the get-go.

It was a gamble that paid off in dazzling style, sending Kenya to the top of Group 'A' on seven points.

The Stars now simply need to lose to Zambia in their final group game to make the knock-out stage.

The fans went wild in amazement and excitement as Ryan Ogam, one of McCarthy's surprise picks, scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute — his maiden international goal.

And though Chrispine Erambo's red card a minute before the break looked like sending the match Morocco's way, McCarthy's second-half tactical switch had Kenya defending like lions the rest of the game.

Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi was the first card — keeping his place despite whispers that McCarthy might opt for a younger alternative.

Omondi’s safe hands denied Morocco at crucial moments, including a 37th-minute save that electrified the stands.

In defence, McCarthy shuffled his backline entirely. Mohammed Siraj, Mike Kibwage, and Lewis Bandi came in for Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, and Daniel Sakari.

The trio formed a resolute wall, frustrating Morocco’s attacks and disrupting their rhythm. Siraj’s physicality, Kibwage’s composure, and Bandi’s tireless running plugged every gap Morocco tried to exploit.

In midfield, Chrispine Erambo stepped in for suspended Marvin Nabwire. His first-half sending-off was unfortunate, but until that point, Erambo had matched Morocco’s midfield pace-for-pace, giving Kenya a fighting foothold in the early exchanges.

Ahead of time, the final card — Ben Stanley Omondi — had replaced Ogam to give Kenya speed and surprise going forward. Their interchanging chemistry caused Morocco headaches repeatedly, culminating in the goal that wrapped up the night.

Morocco nearly had the first goal in the sixth minute when a corner struck the Kenyan post. The close shave woke up the Stars, the home supporters urging them on with chants of "one million" — President William Ruto's Sh1 million bounty offer for every win — as they surged up the field.

The breakthrough came from the back: goalkeeper Omondi’s quick exchange with his defenders built the move that led to Ben Stanley Omondi’s pass into the box.

A Moroccan clearance ricocheted to Ogam, who shifted left and drilled a low shot into the far corner, sending the stadium into delirium.

In spite of being down a man, Kenya held firm. VAR drama in the 60th minute reduced a Moroccan penalty to a Harambee Stars free-kick.

It was off that set-piece that Owino's header was cleared onto the bar by Elhemdi Al Harrar — an act that had fans with their heads in their hands.

Subsequently, every Moroccan raid was met with deafening noise, claps, and chants until the final whistle verifiably shut a night to be remembered as one of McCarthy's tactical masterclasses.

With his six secret cards well employed, Benni McCarthy did not so much beat Morocco — he checkmated them.