Coach Benni McCarthy eyes brighter Kenya future after CHAN quarter-final exit
Benni McCarthy says Kenyan football is moving in the right direction after the Harambee Stars’ debut TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) run ended in quarter-final heartbreak against Madagascar.
Kenya’s dream run at their debut at the CHAN ended in heartbreak on Friday as Madagascar held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to reach the semi-finals.
The Harambee Stars, roared on by a partisan Kasarani crowd, were bidding to reach their first continental semi-final in 38 years.
But after a tense 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, Madagascar prevailed 4-3 on spot-kicks, with Toky Rakotondraibe converting the decisive penalty after Alphonce Omija missed for the hosts.
The South African coach, who guided Kenya to the last eight in their first appearance at the competition, said the performance and spirit of his players outweighed the sting of their penalty shoot-out defeat in Nairobi.
Pride over disappointment
“Nothing but proud of what we achieved. The players gave everything every single day in training and every match,” McCarthy said after the game.
“It was really good but football is like that, the lottery of penalties sometimes doesn’t go your way.”
Kenya, roared on by a capacity Kasarani crowd, had taken the lead through Alphonce Omija’s header, before Madagascar equalised from the spot and held their nerve in a dramatic 4-3 shoot-out.
Respect for opponents
McCarthy was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Madagascar’s composure under pressure.
“It is a bit tough to go out this way. We expected a tough game but didn’t expect them to be this way. Their movement off the ball was great. I want to congratulate Madagascar for their passage to the semis,” he said.
“If you come to Kenya and can perform at such a stage with the fans and the noise, they deserve huge credit for having nerves of steel, especially in the penalty shootout.”
Missed chances prove costly
The coach admitted Kenya could have sealed victory earlier had they been more clinical.
“It could have been anyone’s game. We are fairly open disappointed we couldn’t take the chances we had. When you miss your chances at the end of the day you are punished,” McCarthy explained.
Despite scoring in every game of the tournament, Kenya never managed more than a single goal in a match. Against Madagascar, that lack of firepower proved costly.
Fans and future fuel optimism
McCarthy reserved special praise for the fans whose support turned Nairobi into a fortress.
“The fans have been incredible and pushed us really much. Kenyan football is on the up, the talent we saw over this CHAN tournament has been immense. Everyone should be proud,” he said.
The Harambee Stars topped a group that included Morocco, Zambia, and DR Congo, conceding just twice across five matches.
McCarthy believes that foundation should serve the country well moving forward.
“We feel disappointed now but when you look back and see what we achieved topping the toughest group, today was just one hurdle too many,” he said.
Looking ahead with pride
For McCarthy, the pain of defeat will fade, but the progress made will remain.
“We are disappointed now but tomorrow when I sit down and think about it, I will be really proud that we were able to come this far and hopefully we can work in a good way moving forward to ensure the national team is strong,” he concluded.