Benni McCarthy will have to wait longer for his first win as Harambee Stars head coach after Kenya battled to a goalless draw against Chad in an international friendly played at the Marrakech Annex in Morocco on Saturday, 7 June.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News The South African tactician, who took charge of his third match since his appointment, had previously overseen a 3-3 draw with The Gambia and a 2-1 home loss to Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.##NAJAVA_MECA_8968313##This match, part of Kenya’s preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), was an opportunity to test locally based talent.In the absence of captain Michael Olunga, South Africa-based defender Brian Mandela wore the armband, while William Lenkupae and Adam Wilson were handed starting roles.Kenya began brightly, frequently attacking down the left flank.However, Chad grew into the game quickly and began asserting themselves from as early as the second minute.Chad’s Ninga Casikir picked up the game’s first yellow card in the fifth minute after a foul on Abud Omar.From the resulting free kick, Moses Shumah had a decent chance but failed to hit the target.Free agent Victor Wanyama open to joining former clubA defensive error by Chad’s Haron Abubakar seconds later nearly gifted Kenya the opener, but Boniface Muchiri failed to capitalise, allowing Chad to recover and set an offside trap.In the ninth minute, Chad launched a threatening counterattack through Yep Tenibon, ending in a 2v1 situation before being flagged offside.Kenya responded immediately with Aboud Omar whipping in a dangerous cross, which Chad’s Ali Mahamat cleared for a corner.Free agent Victor Wanyama open to joining former clubChad continued to threaten, with Noubara Felix testing goalkeeper Brian Bwire in the 12th minute.Bwire, however, was alert to the danger and made a comfortable save.As the first half progressed, both teams settled, with attacks flowing end to end.Chebet eyeing World Record after Rome exploitsIn the 22nd minute, Adam Wilson forced Chad goalkeeper Mbainais Jordan into a full-stretch save with a curling shot from the edge of the box.Six minutes later, Kenya came close again after Muchiri’s persistence set up Lenkupae, but the forward dragged his shot wide.Despite dominating possession, Kenya failed to convert any of their opportunities, and the first half ended in a dull stalemate.McCarthy introduced Gor Mahia’s Austine Odhiambo for Brian Musa at the start of the second half.Kenya won a free kick in the 51st minute, but a short exchange between Odhiambo and Lenkupae was easily dealt with by the Chad defense.##NAJAVA_MECA_8966958##Chad nearly punished Kenya in the 58th minute when Thiam Mahamat shrugged off two defenders but curled his shot just wide.Kenya responded a minute later with a golden chance as Odhiambo’s cross found Lenkupae, whose effort was comfortably saved by Mbainais.McCarthy made a double substitution to inject energy, bringing on Ben Stanley Omondi and debutant David Sakwa for Wilson and Lenkupae.However, both sides struggled to create clear chances as the heat in North Africa forced a second water break.Vihiga United plots wholesome changes aimed at FKF Premier League returnLater, in the 75th minute, FKF Premier League top scorer Emmanuel Osoro and top assist provider James Kinyanjui entered for Shumah and Muchiri.Despite the fresh legs and attacking talent, Kenya failed to break down Chad’s resolute defense.##NAJAVA_MECA_54157##Stars often struggled on set pieces, despite getting several free kicks in the closing twenty minutes.The result means Kenya are now winless in their last three matches under McCarthy.
