The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy admitted his team was unsettled by Madagascar’s fluid ball movement during their African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinal clash, where Kenya suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat on Friday night.
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Speaking after the game, McCarthy praised his players’ commitment throughout the tournament but acknowledged that Madagascar’s sharp passing and composure made the difference.
“My players gave me everything — in training and on the pitch. I can’t fault their effort. But the way Madagascar moved the ball really surprised us. We expected a tough match, but not that level of movement,” he said.
McCarthy lauded Madagascar for their tactical discipline, strong defending, and calmness in the shootout, saying they fully deserved their place in the semifinals.
He regretted missed chances that could have sealed the game in normal time and expressed frustration over what he termed a “soft free-kick” leading to Kenya’s equaliser, noting that such fine details often decide close encounters.
Despite the disappointment, the coach highlighted positives from Kenya’s campaign, pointing out that his side emerged from “the toughest group” in CHAN with three wins and a draw.
“The talent on display has been immense. Everyone should be proud of the journey. We may feel disappointed now, but in time we’ll see the progress we’ve made,” McCarthy said.
Looking ahead, he urged for stronger structures to strengthen the national team and reduce the risk of painful exits in future tournaments.
“I hope we can build the team further so that we don’t have to go through this again. Personally, I don’t want to see penalties anytime soon,” he quipped.
McCarthy said the experience would be invaluable for his relatively inexperienced squad, many of whom were making their continental debuts. He encouraged fans to remain proud of the team’s resilience and growth, insisting that Kenya has laid a solid foundation for future success.
