Benni disappointed with Harambee Stars draw against Chad

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has expressed his frustration following Kenya’s goalless draw against Chad, ranked 177th, in an international friendly clash held in Marrakech, Morocco on Saturday.

Kenya, currently ranked 111th in the FIFA rankings, entered the match as clear favorites, seeking first win under the tutelage of McCarthy.

However, they failed to assert their dominance where it mattered most, inside the final third. Despite controlling possession and creating several chances, the Stars were unable to find the breakthrough, leaving the pitch visibly disappointed.

“We were the better side by far. It was so easy for us to play, but they sat back very low, and we weren’t patient enough, and the disappointing fact is that we didn’t score a goal,” said an agitated McCarthy in his post-match remarks.

McCarthy described the result as “destroying,” lamenting Kenya’s lack of sharpness and composure in front of goal.

“We should have scored two or three goals, easily. That’s the most disappointing part. This was a game there for the taking,” the former Manchester United coach said.

Since taking over the national team in March, McCarthy has yet to taste victory. His tenure began with a 3-3 draw against Gambia, followed by a 2-1 loss to Gabon, and now a goalless draw with one of Africa’s lowest-ranked sides.

The pressure is mounting on the South African legend to spark a turnaround.

“We need to be more clinical, more aggressive, and play with real intensity,” he insisted. “This is international football. You have to create the chances, and we didn’t do it today, unfortunately. When you do, you must take them.”

Kenya now faces Chad again on Tuesday in the return leg, and the result could be a turning point in McCarthy’s tenure.

The Stars are also gearing up for the CHAN tournament scheduled for August 2 in East Africa, making the need for cohesion and confidence even more urgent.