Harambee Stars head coach Benny McCarthy has credited the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for rescuing Kenya in their CHAN PAMOJA 2024 Group A clash, even as he lamented missed chances that could have secured a better result.
McCarthy admitted he initially misjudged the red card incident involving midfielder Austin Odhiambo, who was brought down just before pulling the trigger.
“I was fuming,” McCarthy said. “From where I stood, it looked like Austin wanted an extra touch instead of just shooting. I was shouting, wondering what he was thinking. But then VAR showed the truth. It was a clear foul and a red card. VAR saved us.”
The South African tactician praised the technology for ensuring fairness but expressed frustration at the team’s failure to capitalise.
“We had an advantage. We had chances. But we didn’t take them. That’s what stings. In these tournaments, you have to be clinical. One more goal and we’d be in full control of the group.”
Reflecting on the intensity of the contest, McCarthy called it the toughest match of his coaching career.
“To be honest, I’m exhausted. I can’t wait to go and rest. When you go a man less and a goal down just after 15 minutes, you have to think about how to manage the entire match.”
McCarthy urged his side to improve their concentration early in matches.
“This team can play. But we must avoid early mistakes. Even in the first match, we almost conceded inside ten minutes.”
A crowd of 46,520 packed Kasarani Stadium for the tie.
“Today we experienced the twelfth man. The fans kept us going when things weren’t going our way. The players are proud to be Kenyan.”
Kenya now face Morocco in a decisive final group match.
