CHAN2024: McCarthy on why Harambee Stars must win against Zambia

Despite sealing a ticket to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinals, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has listed reasons why Kenya's clash against Zambia is a must-win.

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Kenya is scheduled to face Zambia in their final CHAN Group A clash on Sunday, 17 August, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from 1500 hrs.

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While the match is important as it is set to determine Kenya's final position in the group, which will also determine whether Harambee Stars play the quarter finals on home soil or face Taifa Stars in Tanzania.

Facing the media during the pre-match press conference, McCarthy added another significance as to why Kenya must win the match.

“For us, tomorrow's game is important. Some people said that we are in the group of death and we would probably finish with zero points, but here we are, top of the table.

So tomorrow is a MUST-WIN game for us to finish top of the table. We want to make a statement tomorrow and win so that nobody says it was by sheer luck,” explained McCarthy.

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McCarthy, who is the leading all-time goal scorer for South Africa's Bafana Bafana, also expressed confidence in all members of the team, reiterating the criteria for naming his match-day squad.

“I reward hard work. The players select themselves through the work they put in training sessions.

All my players are here by merit, not that I was recommended to by anyone, but because I saw their quality myself,” he added.

However, the 2004 UEFA Champions League winner with Portuguese giants FC Porto explained why some members of the squad are yet to make an appearance in the tournament.

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“Sometimes it may not be possible to give everyone minutes, especially when you play two matches with a man down.”

Ahead of the Zambia clash, Kenya has received a boost after striker Masud Juma, who missed the previous two matches with injury, was declared fit, resumed training and is in contention for the final group match.