Benni McCarthy notched his first win as Harambee Stars head coach with a tactically sophisticated 2-1 victory over Chad at the Stade de Marrakech. Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe triumph was a much-needed riposte after a goalless draw in the first friendly encounter against the same nation just days earlier. In a game defined by intelligent positional play, fluid attacking rotations, and sharp transitions, McCarthy’s tactical imprint on this new look Kenyan side became crystal clear.Kenyan forward secures three-month trial with Swedish sideMcCarthy retained the 4-3-3 setup that had brought a spark in the second half of the first meeting, and this time, it was from the first whistle. Kenya’s starting lineup featured Farouk Shikalo in goal, Lewis Bandi and Siraj Mohamed as fullbacks, and Swaleh Pamba paired with Sylvester Owino at the heart of defence. Alpha Onyango anchored midfield, supported by the creative pair of Austin Odhiambo and William Lenkupae. The forward line consisted of Emmanuel Osoro, David Sakwa, and Ben Stanley Omondi.##NAJAVA_MECA_8972759##Chad, on their part, lined up in a more traditional 4-2-3-1. Mbainas Jordan started in goal behind a backline of Yves Allarabaye, Harun Khamis, Felix Noubara, and Wanre Daikreo. Their double pivot featured Thiam Mahamat and William Damba, while Moussa Youssouf operated as the central attacking midfielder. Mahamat Adam and Haroun Tchouna flanked striker Ezechiel N’Douassel.One of the most telling aspects of McCarthy’s tactical approach was the fluidity in possession. Kenya built from the back methodically, with the ball moving cleanly from the centre backs or fullbacks into the midfield. Joshua ‘Mangulu’ Onyango explains reasons for Gor Mahia’s struggles this seasonThe use of wingers to drop into deeper areas in the first phase of play helped stretch Chad’s midfield and create triangles for ball progression.In attack, this structure morphed into a 4-2-4, with Alpha Onyango and either Odhiambo or Lenkupae holding the base while the front four interchanged fluidly. This rotational movement proved difficult for Chad’s defensive structure to track. Kenya’s attackers frequently dropped into half spaces or deep zones to receive the ball, dragging markers with them and either opening gaps behind or creating numerical superiority in midfield.PLAYER RATINGS: Debutant Osoro steals the spotlight in Harambee Stars’ win over ChadWhen Chad’s defenders followed their runners, it left exploitable gaps in the defensive line. When they stayed put, Kenya overloaded central zones and dictated play through the middle, a tactical paradox Chad struggled to resolve throughout the first half.The first goal in the 18th minute encapsulated McCarthy’s philosophy perfectly. Kenya won possession deep in their own half and quickly switched into a right-sided combination play. Emmanuel Osoro, nominally a striker, had dropped into midfield as part of the defensive shape, allowing him to survey the field. From this deeper position, he made a diagonal run between Chad’s left centre back and left back. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8972769##Ben Stanley Omondi picked him out with a precise ball, and Osoro applied a one-touch finish, a demonstration of positional intelligence, tactical discipline, and individual technique. It was also a moment that exposed Chad’s vulnerability in transition, with their defensive line caught flat and reactive.Kenya’s second goal in the 45th minute further highlighted McCarthy’s emphasis on structured build-up. A long ball from Chad was recovered and recycled by Siraj Mohamed, who fed Austin Odhiambo centrally. Benni McCarthy off the mark as Harambee Stars edge Chad in second friendlyOdhiambo quickly found Osoro in space, who in turn whipped in a low cross across the box. Sakwa, arriving late at the far post, applied a cool finish to double the advantage. This sequence again underlined the effectiveness of Kenya’s progression from back to front, exploiting Chad’s transitional disorganisation.McCarthy made two halftime substitutions. Brian Musa replaced Alpha Onyango while Beja Nyamawi came on for David Sakwa. Kenya retained their 4-3-3 shape but shifted to a more conservative tempo, seeking to control space rather than force transitions.##NAJAVA_MECA_8972728##Chad, recognising the need to stem Kenya’s rhythm, adjusted defensively. They opted to stay compact and resist being pulled out of shape, a tactic that made it harder for Kenya to find passing lanes between the lines. This defensive recalibration stifled Kenya’s buildup, and the Harambee Stars became disjointed when transitioning into their 4-4-2 defensive structure after losing possession.The tactical discipline paid dividends for Chad in the 60th minute. Sustained pressure and compact passing sequences led to a well-taken goal by Ali Mahamat Adam, punishing Kenya for a momentary lapse in defensive organisation.List of complete and incomplete works at Kasarani Stadium [VIDEO]Despite the shift in momentum, Kenya managed the game intelligently in the final phase. McCarthy’s men slowed the tempo, controlled territorial zones, and defended in numbers when required. Shikalo remained alert, and the backline handled aerial threats and late surges effectively.This win was more than just a morale booster. It was a showcase of McCarthy’s early tactical identity with the Harambee Stars. His use of a fluid 4-3-3, transitions into a dynamic 4-2-4 in attack, and the emphasis on structured buildup with intelligent rotations allowed Kenya to dominate large stretches of the game. The attacking interchange between Osoro, Sakwa, and Omondi was particularly devastating, while the midfield showed promise in controlling tempo and exploiting space.##NAJAVA_MECA_8972724##Chad’s second-half response showed that there is still work to be done, particularly in how Kenya reacts to tactical adjustments and maintains compactness in defense.However, if this performance is anything to go by, McCarthy’s tactical blueprint is beginning to take shape — one built on fluidity, intelligence, and purposeful possession. And in Marrakech, he delivered his first and well-deserved victory as Kenya’s head coach.
