Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has admitted that his team fumbled and crumbled under pressure in their quarter-final loss to Madagascar in 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) on Friday evening.
The highly-anticipated clash was held at the 48,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani, with Madagascar winning 4-3 in the post-match penalty shoot-outs after the two teams drew 1-1 at the end of regular and extra-time.
Having registered a strong performance at the group stage, including stunning heavyweights Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), McCarthy said that whereas he anticipated a tough encounter against Madagascar’s “Barea”, he expected his side to carry the day.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy reacts on the touchline during the 2024 Africa Nations Championship quarter-finals match between Kenyan and Madagascar at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi on August 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“I understand people are very disappointed... myself, the team, the players... everyone is disappointed, but we were not meant to be here (quarter-finals stage). After DRC, Angola, Morocco, Zambia, you get through that group then you count your blessings,” McCarthy observed after the match.
“Unfortunately, in the game that I really thought we should have won, we fumbled under pressure,” a disappointed McCarthy reflected.
Against all odds, Kenya topped Group 'A' with 10 points having registered a 1-0 win over DRC, Morocco and Zambia and drawn 1-1 with Angola.
In the quarter-finals match against Madagascar, Kenya looked well on course to continue with their fairy tale run in the tournament as they took a deserved lead in the 48th minute through defender Alphonce Omija’s header.
Even after Madagascar equalised in the 69th minute through Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaro from the penalty spot, Kenya were still the dominant side.
However, the home boys failed to translate that superiority into goals, exiting the competition through penalty shoot-outs.
Kenya’s penalties were scored through defenders Mohammed Siraj, Daniel Sakari and Sylvester Owino while Michael Kibwage and Alphonce Omija missed.
Although McCarthy congratulated his boys for their strong performance in the tournament, he rued the missed opportunities in the match against Madagascar.
Kenyan players react during their CHAN quarter finals match against Madagascar at Moi Internationals Sports Centre Kasarani on August 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
“Nothing but proud of what we achieved, the players gave me everything, every single day in training so I cannot complain of anything… When you miss your chances like that, at the end of the day you pay a heavy price,” said the former Manchester United first-team forwards’ coach.
McCarthy also lamented over the referee’s decision to cancel striker Ryan Ogam’s second-half goal, saying the foul committed in the build-up was “extremely soft.”
But why did McCarthy allow only defenders to take the penalties when there were attacking players in the field, including veteran striker Masoud Juma, Edward Omondi and teenager Austin Odongo?
“I don’t force people to take penalties,” said McCarthy.
“I take the ones who are confident enough and if you miss, that is my responsibility. The players that took (penalties) were the brave ones, the ones who didn't, you must ask them why they didn’t take penalties,” he added.
Regarding the decision not to bring in creative midfielder Austine Odhiambo in the match, McCarthy said it was a tactical decision.
“I thought the way we set up was really good. Solid because we wanted to dominate in midfield and Marvin (Nabwire) at his club is playing as a forward, Alpha (Onyango) is also very attack minded… I just felt the game was going the right way with the player we set up with,” said the former Porto and West Ham United forward.
Many fans have also questioned McCarthy's decision to rest winger Boniface Muchiri and Ogam in the 70th minute. Muchiri was one of the impressive players in the match, providing the assist to Omija’s goal.
