Harambee Stars were on the receiving end of criticism from fans after labouring for a barren draw against Chad in an international friendly at the Stade de Marrakech, Morocco.The match offered key tactical insights into both teams’ strategies, with Kenya focusing on structured possession and Chad relying on defensive organization and transitions.Despite being ranked 177 in the FIFA standings, Chad managed to hold the 111th-ranked Kenya, denying coach Benni McCarthy what would have been his first win since his appointment in March.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsMozzart Sport takes a keen look at the tactical formation employed by the respective teams.Kenya’s Shape: Controlled possession in a 4 2 3 1McCarthy opted for a 4 2 3 1 formation that focused on building play from the back. In goal was Brian Bwire, with Daniel Sakari and Abud Omar being the fullbacks. Kshs1.2 billion valued Harambee Stars prospect backed to replace Man City-bound star at WolvesBrian Mandela and Alphonce Omija formed the central pairing. Alpha Onyango and Brian Musa were deployed to shield the defence, while William Lenkupae operated just behind striker Moses Shummah. Bonface Muchiri and Adam Wilson played wide on either flank.Kenya built play in a 3 1 structure. During possession, the ball-side fullback (often Sakari) stayed deeper in the first phase while the opposite fullback stepped up later. One of the two midfield pivots—usually Alpha—dropped into the backline to form a back three. This created a 3 against 1 advantage in the build-up against Chad’s pressing forward, making it easy for Kenya to advance the ball out of their defensive third.Austria-based forward eyes WAFCON role with Harambee StarletsIn certain moments, the winger on the ball side would drop deep to help in the first phase, while the fullback pushed up. This movement opened space to deliver early crosses into the box. However, this often isolated Shummah, who had little support in the box, and Chad were comfortable dealing with those deliveries.Kenya’s 4 4 2 shape in the build-up helped stretch Chad’s backline by pinning both central defenders, but this came at the cost of midfield control. After the first-half cooling break, McCarthy adjusted by asking Lenkupae to drop deeper. This allowed Kenya to form central overloads and maintain better control in midfield. With more numbers in the middle, Kenya started dominating possession but struggled to create clear scoring chances.##NAJAVA_MECA_8969726##Chad’s Approach: Compact defence and quick transitionsChad mirrored Kenya’s 4 2 3 1 structure, but played with a very different intention. Mbainas Jordan started in goal, with Allarabaye and Haroun as fullbacks. Noubara Felix and Nounchili anchored the backline. Koularambaye and Tenibon held the midfield base, while Thiam played as the attacking midfielder behind striker Ndouassel. Ali Adam and Ninga Rodrigue provided width.Chad built up in a 4 2 1 3 shape, pushing their wingers high and attempting to play through the central channel. However, they struggled to find space between Kenya’s compact lines. Kenya defended in a 4 4 2 or 4 4 1 1 shape, with Lenkupae helping press in the first line. Alpha and Musa screened the back four.In the first phase of build-up, Chad were often able to circulate the ball across their backline. However, once they tried to enter midfield, Kenya’s extra numbers closed down options. As a result, Chad turned to quick breaks, especially exploiting space behind Sakari whenever he pushed high up the pitch.Despite these intentions, Omija and Mandela were alert in covering these zones and ensured Chad rarely had a clear sight on goal. Their timing and positioning were excellent throughout the match, nullifying any serious threat from Chad’s forwards.Farouk Shikalo opens up on Harambee Stars’ mentorship roleSecond Half AdjustmentsMcCarthy made changes early in the second half by bringing on Austin Odhiambo for Musa. This shifted Kenya into a 4 3 3 formation with Odhiambo and Lenkupae playing ahead of Alpha. The change added more creativity in central areas, with Odhiambo trying to find pockets of space and combine with the forwards.Later substitutions saw Wilson and Lenkupae come off for Ben Stanley Omondi and David Sakwa. Muchiri moved to the right wing while Sakwa took the left. This new setup brought directness to Kenya’s play, with Muchiri tasked with sending early crosses into the area. While the intent was clear, Chad’s disciplined backline and lack of support for Shummah meant those chances went unconverted.Further changes introduced fresh legs, as Muchiri and Shummah were replaced by James Kinyanjui and Emmanuel Osoro. This was a move to stretch Chad’s tiring backline using pace and wide play. Kenya started switching play more often, finding the wingers in space, but again, failed to turn this into goals.##NAJAVA_MECA_8967483##Final minutes and game conclusionChad almost stole the game in added time when a turnover in midfield allowed them to launch a counterattack. Harun Shuma broke through but was quickly stopped by a timely intervention from Mandela. David Bujego responds to Harambee Starlets head coach linksIt was a reminder of the risks Kenya took by pushing numbers forward.Kenya created more chances and dominated possession, but were let down by poor finishing and lack of final ball quality. Chad, on the other hand, executed their defensive plan well and showed strong discipline.McCarthy remains winless as Harambee Stars are held to dour draw by ChadFinal thoughtsThis match showed both the promise and the problems of McCarthy’s Kenya. The structure and build-up were clear, and the players followed instructions well. However, the lack of cutting edge in the final third and the inability to break down low defensive blocks remains a concern.Chad deserves credit for their organization and mental toughness. They frustrated Kenya and nearly pulled off a late shock.For Kenya, the search for a first win under McCarthy continues. The tactical ideas are in place, but the execution in the final third needs improvement. The second game against Chad, coming in three days, offers a chance to correct that.NSL: Darajani Gogo tails up after moving to promotion playoff position
