Benni McCarthy has urged Harambee Stars to end their group stage campaign in style when they face Zambia in their final Group A clash of the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) today (3pm).
The South African tactician, who took charge of Kenya earlier this year, has already guided the team to an impressive run in the tournament.
Kenya sits at the summit of Group A with seven points after beating Morocco 1-0, edging DR Congo 2-1, and holding Angola to a goalless draw. Their strong performances have secured a place in the quarter-finals, but McCarthy insists there is more work to be done.
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“When everybody said this was the Group of Death, most people thought we would finish bottom without a single point,” McCarthy said ahead of the Zambia fixture.
“But here we are, on top of the table, and tomorrow’s game is about making sure we stay there. We want to show everyone that our results are no accident.”
The clash against Zambia, set for today at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, carries little pressure in terms of qualification since Stars have already booked their quarters spot.
However, McCarthy wants his players to view it as an opportunity to build momentum and send a clear message to the rest of the continent.
For Kenya, this tournament has already been historic. Few expected them to topple continental heavyweights Morocco and DR Congo, both two-time Chan winners.
Yet Stars showed resilience and discipline in defence, coupled with sharp counterattacking football that has made them one of the surprise packages of the tournament.
Against Angola, their ability to grind out a point highlighted another side of their character — patience and tactical maturity.
McCarthy has credited his players for buying into his philosophy, pointing out that their hard work on the training ground is now visible on the pitch.
“I told the boys that to be the best, you have to beat the best. And we’ve done that. We’ve beaten Morocco and DR Congo, two of the most successful teams in this competition. Now, the challenge is to keep that same standard,” he noted.
Facing Zambia, who are bottom of the group with no points, Kenya are favourites to collect another win. Still, McCarthy is warning against complacency.
“Zambia will play with pride. They may be out of contention, but they are not a small footballing nation. We have to respect them and make sure we approach the game with the same seriousness as the others,” he said.
Victory over Zambia would not only guarantee Kenya top spot in Group A but also provide a psychological boost heading into the knockout rounds.
McCarthy believes momentum will be crucial as the tournament gets tougher.
“This is about building belief. If we can finish the group stages unbeaten and at the top, then the boys will know they can take on anyone in the quarter-finals,” he said.