McCarthy's Tactical Genius: Kenya's 1-0 Win Over Morocco

Coach McCarthy defied the odds to end Morocco's unbeaten CHAN record

Benni  guides Harambee Stars to a 1-0 victory over Morocco in CHAN 2024, showcasing his tactical prowess and coaching expertise.

“Sometimes defenders have to play midfield jobs or striker jobs, and that was the art...”

Kenya's head coach, Benni McCarthy, credits his experience playing under José Mourinho at FC Porto for inspiring Harambee Stars to secure a crucial 1-0 win against Morocco in their CHAN 2024 group match. McCarthy's team showed remarkable resilience, defending a 1-0 lead despite being reduced to 10 men after Chrispine Erambo's red card was upgraded by VAR in first-half stoppage time.

Ryan Ogam's 42nd-minute goal proved enough for Harambee Stars, who held on despite Morocco's pressure after the interval. McCarthy's tactical acumen and the team's determination were key factors in the win, which was a statement result considering they were up against two-time champions Morocco.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Harambee Stars, who are looking to make a deep run in the CHAN 2024 tournament. McCarthy expressed pride in his team's performance, highlighting their bravery and resolve in the face of adversity.

Chrispine Erambo, a Tusker FC player and one of the new starters under McCarthy, was initially given a yellow card for a foul on Anas El Mahraoui, but VAR intervened and upgraded the decision to a straight red card.

Despite playing with 10 men, Kenya defied the odds to end Morocco's unbeaten CHAN record and take control of Group A. Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi was instrumental in the win, producing superb saves to deny Morocco's attacks. His impressive performance earned him Man of the Match honors at the final whistle.

This was the second game Kenya was playing with 10 men at CHAN under McCarthy. Against Angola, Kenya saw midfielder Marvin Nabwire sent off just moments after Austin Odhiambo had scored from the penalty spot to cancel out Jo Paciencia's opener for the Palancas Negras.

McCarthy's Mourinho Connection

Si mnajua admin lazima angewaletea za ndani 😅#HarambeeStars #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/ZhEqvzxYbq

— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) August 10, 2025

The former Bafana Bafana striker played for Porto under José Mourinho from 2003 to 2006, scoring 46 goals in 85 appearances. During the 2003-04 Primeira Liga season, McCarthy won the Golden Boot award with 20 goals in 23 matches, securing the title with a hat-trick on the final matchday. He was instrumental in Porto's UEFA Champions League win that season, learning valuable “trades and tricks” under Mourinho's guidance that he now applies as a coach.

McCarthy credits his experience playing under José Mourinho at Porto for teaching him how to handle tough situations, including playing with 10 men. Notably, McCarthy had a standout performance against Manchester United, scoring two goals in a crucial match. This experience has influenced his coaching approach, helping him guide his team, Harambee Stars, to secure wins despite adversity.

📸 | Match Gallery

Halloooo 😁#HarambeeStars #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/mrau9tIbUT

— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) August 10, 2025

“I’m not sure if you remember, I played under a certain coach, José Mourinho was the master of that,” McCarthy told reporters after the game. “As a player playing in a team that plays with 10 men, I’m telling you, it is hell. It is hell, but we used to manage it perfectly like it was our everyday thing.

“You know, like we were a team that played with 10 men instead of 11. So I’ve learned the trades and the tricks of working with Mourinho, where you adjust, and who do you sacrifice.

“And unfortunately, it’s not going to be pretty for the fans because they want to see attacking football. But then you think about what is most important to protect your goals. If you are in the lead, you protect at all costs.”

Benni McCarthy reflected on his experience playing under José Mourinho, saying: “Sometimes defenders have to play midfield jobs or striker jobs, and that was the art that I’ve learned playing under José.” This tactical flexibility has influenced his coaching approach.

The win puts Kenya on the brink of a historic quarter-final spot, while Morocco's chances now depend on recovering in their final group matches against Zambia and DR Congo. With this crucial victory, Kenya has taken control of Group A, and their momentum will be key in the remaining matches.