Harambee Stars stunned Morocco 1-0 in their final Group Stage clash of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) on Sunday, August 10, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Head coach Benni McCarthy credited the victory to a bold decision to overhaul his starting line-up, resting most of the regulars who had featured in the first two matches against DR Congo and Angola.
Among those left out were captain Aboud Omar and playmaker Austin Odhiambo.
The former Manchester United attacking coach opted for fresh legs, believing that introducing new faces would unsettle Morocco, the two-time champions and pre-match favourites. He later explained that fatigue was a major factor in his selection choices.
“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.
“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,” McCarthy revealed.
According to McCarthy, the changes paid off not just physically but mentally, as the incoming players were determined to prove they belonged in the starting XI.
“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.
“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,” he added.