Benni McCarthy Urges Harambee Stars to Finish CHAN 2024 Group Stage with Convincing Win Over Zambia

Benni McCarthy has called on Harambee Stars to end their CHAN 2024 group stage campaign with a decisive victory against Zambia, aiming to assert their dominance in the tournament.

Harambee Stars have impressed so far in the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), and as they prepare to face Zambia in their final group stage match, McCarthy insists that only a win will suffice.

The crucial clash is set for Sunday, August 17, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. A victory will not only reinforce Harambee Stars’ position at the top of Group A but also send a strong message to their competitors.

Currently, Harambee Stars lead the CHAN 2024 Group A standings with seven points. Morocco and DR Congo follow closely with six points each, Angola have four points, and Zambia remain without a point from their three matches.

Although Kenya has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, Benni McCarthy is determined to see the team finish the group stage on a high, confident that everything is achievable.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, McCarthy highlighted how many had doubted Harambee Stars’ potential.

McCarthy recalled that most people expected Kenya to end the group stage without a single point and expressed his excitement at how the players have defied expectations. He emphasized that their final match against Zambia is an opportunity to cement their legacy with a strong win.

“When everybody said Group of Death, we would probably have had zero points after four games, but we found ourselves sitting on top of the mountain, and now we really want to enjoy that view on top of that mountain,” Benni McCarthy said.

“Tomorrow is a game where we must win…we are not focusing on the qualification because we have already been qualified, and it’s just all about finishing off a really good game plan that we have had so far.”

The former Manchester United attacking coach noted that Harambee Stars have already proven themselves by defeating two of the most successful teams in CHAN history.

He reflected on the start of their campaign, admitting that Morocco, Angola, and DR Congo were initially considered favorites to make a mark and potentially reach the final. Now, however, Harambee Stars have emerged as serious challengers.

McCarthy praised the players for their commitment to training and their belief in the team’s game plan, emphasizing that their efforts have been pivotal to Kenya’s progress in the tournament.

“I will say to the players, in order to be the best, you have to be the best, and I think we’ve proven that throughout the group stages against DRC, Angola and Morocco,” Benni McCarthy said.

“They are probably the three most favourite teams that could have gone and won this CHAN. I give credit to the players, but now, we want to make a statement by winning tomorrow so that no one can say it was by chance or by luck. It was by sheer hard work and patience from the team and everyone else.”