CHAN2024: Bruno applauds McCarthy’s bold masterstroke as 10-man Kenya stunned Morocco
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 11.08.25. | 12:30
The newly appointed MOFA boss, tasked with transforming the academy into a promotion contender, said the victory over Morocco was as much a mental battle as a tactical one
Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) head coach Charles Bruno has hailed Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy’s tactical masterclass following Kenya’s historic victory over Morocco.
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Stars stunned the Atlas Lions in their third group stage match of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Sunday, 10 August, to edge closer to the knockout stages.
To make the result even more remarkable, McCarthy’s charges had to grind it out the hard way for the second consecutive match.
Chris Erambo’s red card late in the first half left Kenya with ten men for the remaining 45 minutes, but the boys in red held firm.
Before kickoff, McCarthy had already unleashed his mind games, ringing the changes with six alterations to the starting lineup, including dropping in-form goal scorer Austin Odhiambo to the bench.
According to Bruno, who won the FKF Premier League title with Gor Mahia, such bold moves define great coaches.
“In these kinds of games, it’s about taking risks and owning the outcome,” Bruno told Mozzart Sport.
“Benni took that risk by benching Austin and other core players, and in the end, Kenyans are happy, including me. If it had gone the other way, I’d still respect it. This job is about courage. Taking risks is part of it.”
The newly appointed MOFA boss, tasked with transforming the academy into a promotion contender, said the victory over Morocco was as much a mental battle as a tactical one.
“Against such a well-organised side, today was more about mental strength than just tactics,” Bruno said.
“Playing almost an entire half with 10 men against Morocco and still winning, that’s outstanding. We have to give Benni his flowers.”
Bruno, who famously revived Kisumu All Stars two years ago when many had written them off, insisted McCarthy’s tactical nous is beyond question.
“I don’t know what he told the boys at half-time, but when you’re down to 10 men, it comes down to mentality. And Benni nailed it. This was a well-deserved win. Tactically, I had no doubts about his approach from the start,” he added.
Stars will now enjoy a seven-day rest before facing Zambia the following Sunday, where maximum points would confirm Kenya as Group A leaders.
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