Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has admitted his side was caught off guard by Madagascar’s ball movement in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinal clash, as Kenya bowed out after a painful penalty shootout loss on Friday night.
Speaking during a post-match press briefing, McCarthy said his players had given everything throughout the tournament but conceded that Madagascar’s sharp play and composure under pressure proved decisive.
“The players gave me everything. Every single day in training, they were excellent, so I cannot complain about anything. But penalties, to go out this way after… I think we expected a tough game, but we didn’t expect the movement of the ball, the way they moved,” he said.
McCarthy congratulated Madagascar for holding their nerve and progressing to the semi-finals, noting their tactical discipline and defensive solidity.
“We expected a tough game, but the way they moved the ball surprised us. Their movement was really good and their defence was incredible,” he added.
“They deserve huge credit for having nerves of steel in the penalty shootout.”
The coach admitted his side failed to capitalise on chances that might have changed the game in regulation time.
He also expressed frustration over a “soft free-kick” that led to his team’s equaliser, saying small margins often decide such tightly contested matches.
Despite the disappointment, McCarthy emphasised the positives from his team’s campaign, highlighting their performances in what he described as “the toughest group you could ever get in the CHAN competition.”
His side recorded three wins and a draw to advance to the knockout stage, earning praise for their resilience.
“The talent we saw over this tournament has been immense. Everybody involved should be proud of what they achieved,” he said.
“We are disappointed now, but when I look back, I’ll be proud of the achievements and hopefully we can build on this.”
Looking ahead, McCarthy called for a stronger pathway for the national team, stressing the need to ensure Kenya avoids such heartbreaking exits in future competitions.
“Hopefully, we can work in a good way moving forward so the national team is strong and we don’t go through this situation again. I don’t want to see penalties anytime soon,” he joked.
The coach said the experience would serve as a valuable learning curve for his players, many of whom were making their first appearance on a continental stage.
He urged fans to take pride in the team’s growth and resilience, despite the bittersweet ending.
For now, Kenya’s CHAN journey ends in disappointment, but McCarthy believes the foundation has been laid for greater success in the years ahead.
by JAMES GICHIGI
