CHAN 2024: Why Benni McCarthy Dropped Austin Odhiambo, 5 Others for Morocco Clash

Harambee Stars shocked Morocco 1-0 in their third group stage match in the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) on Sunday, August 10, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Due to that, Benni McCarthy has shared how rotating the squad was the key to silencing the two-time champions.

Benni McCarthy benched almost all the players who had been starting in Harambee Stars' first two matches against DR Congo and Angola, including captain Aboud Omar and attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo.

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The former Manchester United attacking coach brought in new faces, hoping that they would make an impact against Morocco, who were the favourites to dominate the game.

Benni McCarthy took a leap of faith, and as he explained in the post-match press conference, he revealed that most of the reliable players were fatigued and he could not risk having them on the pitch against Morocco.

He added that no player complained to him, but he could see it, hence the decision to change the squad and avoid making a gamble with the players who had been up against Morocco, a team that gave Harambee Stars a run for their money until the last minute.

“We saw a lot of tired legs, and if we’d kept the same team that played against Angola, we wouldn’t have coped with Morocco. I don’t call it a risk, it’s knowing and trusting your players,” Benni McCarthy revealed.

“That’s why they’re here. Even if they hadn’t started the first two matches, I trusted them to give their best for the country, the coach, the fans, and themselves.”

Benni McCarthy added that the new players were eager to prove they deserved a place in the next game, which pushed them to deliver the performance of their lives.

McCarthy added that anyone he selected would do the job with flying colours, and he was very pleased the changes had worked like a charm.

“We got a fresh, energetic team that could match Morocco. In the first half, I think we were dominant, creating the most clear-cut scoring opportunities,” Benni McCarthy added.

“They had one dangerous free kick where we switched off for a second, but otherwise, they mostly relied on crosses, which we dealt with perfectly.”

Benni McCarthy’s tactical changes proved decisive in Harambee Stars' 1-0 win over Morocco, and as Kenya prepares for the final group stage clash with Zambia on Sunday, the coach remains confident the team will rise to the occasion.