McCarthy throws jibe at neighbors Tanzania after landing Morocco in quarterfinal

Benni McCarthy’s view from the mountaintop might have been so exciting, that he veered off slightly during his post-match duties to throw a jibe at East African rivals Tanzania.

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Speaking after Kenya’s vital 1-0 victory over Zambia, a win that saw Harambee Stars finish top of Group A, McCarthy name-checked the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) co-hosts, saying that they had “gotten their wish” of facing Morocco in the quarterfinals.

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Prior to Sunday’s proceedings, Kenya stared at the scenario of facing their bitter rivals Tanzania in the last eight, but only if they failed to beat Avram Grant’s side, and either Morocco or DR Congo, who are two-time champions of the competition, winning in the other group tie.

However, as fate would have it, Kenya secured the all-important win, securing home status for their quarter-final against lowly Madagascar, and instead handing Tanzania the harder task of fending off Morocco.

Speaking at the end of the win, which was secured by Tusker forward Ryan Ogam midway through the second-half, McCarthy said: “I am happy with the win, we get to play our next match here in Kenya, that was all important.

Tanzania, will get their wish, and they will experience what we experienced. The group of death, now Morocco is heading to Tanzania,” the South African tactician said with a smile.

“I want feedback after the Morocco game, so that they know what we went through every game in this tournament. Good luck to Tanzania.”

The spicy comments came hours after McCarthy had also critiqued individuals who had written Kenya off before the tournament began.

In his Saturday press-conference, McCarthy said: “Everybody said that in the group of death we will probably have zero points after four games. We find ourselves sitting on top of the mountain, and now we want to enjoy that view even better.”

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Kenya, despite playing in their maiden championships, have proven to be the team to beat, seeing off all their group matches without suffering defeat, and only conceding once.

Explaining the unprecedented situation, McCarthy said: “It is called football. We go on the pitch, and I think we do not fear anybody really.

I do not know how it was before me, but for me it is about trust, we trust each other, the players trust me a lot to guide them, to put out the team that will go out and fight for each other and for the country. When we go out, whoever gets to start, they know this is not a job just for us, but our livelihoods, and to give everything they can.”