McCarthy lauds tactical discipline after Harambee Stars impeccable victory over Morocco

Harambee Stars head coach Benny McCarthy has praised his team’s tactical discipline and the unwavering support of the twelfth man after a stunning 1–0 victory over two-time champions Morocco in a tense Group A clash on Sunday.

Playing with 10 men for much of the match after Chrisphine Erambo Otieno was sent off late in the first half, the Stars secured the win through Tusker FC striker Ryan Ogam — a result that sent Kenya top of the group.

“We were tactically so well-organized that Morocco didn’t know what to do with the ball. I couldn’t have asked for a better performance from the boys,” McCarthy said, commending his players’ composure under pressure.

The coach revealed he had made sweeping squad changes after training analysis showed fatigue among players who had battled to a 1–1 draw with Angola — also with 10 men.

“In training you could see the fatigue in some players. Of course, everyone gave their all and wanted to play, but as a coach you have to decide what’s best for the team,” he noted.

Back-to-back red cards remain a concern for McCarthy, who stressed the importance of keeping a full squad on the pitch. Drawing from his Porto days under José Mourinho, he explained: “I had the chance to play under José Mourinho and learnt a lot from him. Playing against 10 men is hell, especially when fans demand more attacking football. But the aim is to protect our lead and control the game.”

Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, named man of the match, urged fans to keep filling the stands. “Since the first match, we have shown great team spirit, which has drawn more fans to the stadium. I urge them to show up again in numbers as we push for the final.”

After three games in the five-team pool, Kenya leads Group A with seven points, followed by Angola on four, Morocco and DR Congo with three each, and Zambia with zero after two matches.

Harambee Stars will rest before their final group game against Zambia on August 17 at 8 PM EAT, needing only a point to secure second place. A win would clinch top spot and set up a quarterfinal clash against the Group B runners-up.