NAIROBI, Kenya — Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has praised the “incredible fans” for their role in the team’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday.
The decisive goal came from Ryan Ogam in the first half, but Kenya was forced to play with ten men for over 45 minutes after Erasmus Erambo received a red card following a VAR review.
McCarthy expressed his gratitude for both his players and the home crowd. “I am grateful for the players that left everything out on the field not for themselves alone but for the fans in the stadium that were incredible,” McCarthy stated.
“I don’t think if we didn’t have those fans we would survive. Not with eleven or ten players, so this victory is owed to the fans and I am just grateful to know we have a team that leaves everything out there on the field.”
When asked about his tactical approach that neutralized Morocco’s dominance in possession, the former South African international credited his time playing under legendary coach José Mourinho at FC Porto.
Also Read: Ryan Ogam’s historic goal against Morocco sends Kenya to CHAN 2024 quarter-finals
“We had to be structured, organised and despite Morocco having 90% possession, they didn’t know what to do with the ball,” he stated.
“Remember I played a certain coach called Jose Mourinho and is the master of that. As a player playing in a team with 10 men, and I am telling you it is hard but we used to manage it like it was our everyday thing. So, I learnt the tricks of working with Mourinho. It is not pretty for fans because they want to see attacking football but you have to protect your goal and if you are in the lead, you must do that.”
This crucial victory places Kenya at the top of Group A with 7 points, putting them on the brink of reaching the quarter-finals in their tournament debut. Their final group match will be against Zambia, who are still searching for their first point.
