Kenya Shock DR Congo in CHAN Opener! Coach Hails Brave Stars!
Colaboradores
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy dey praise ein team ein courage and tactical discipline after dem secure historic 1–0 victory over DR Congo for demma opening Group A match for de TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Speaking after de tightly contested match for a sold-out Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, de South African tactician applaud ein players—many of dem dey make demma CHAN debuts—for rising to de occasion and delivering wetin he call a “massive” win.
“I dey proud of my team—many of dem dey step onto such a big stage for de first time. Beating one of de tournament favourites dey massive for we,” McCarthy talk.
“We dey nervous for de start, but once de boys settle, dem show real bravery.”
McCarthy ein Tactical Masterstroke: Midfield Gamble Pay Off!
One of de defining features of Kenya ein performance be McCarthy ein surprise decision to deploy centre-back Manzur Suleiman as a defensive midfielder—a move wey prove key to disrupting DR Congo ein rhythm.
“I initially consider playing am for left-back based on wetin I see for we friendlies,” McCarthy explain.
“But after analysing ein attributes, I feel say he be perfect fit for midfield. He dey young, energetic, and brave—just wetin we need to disrupt DR Congo ein game plan. He be one of we best players today, no doubt.”
Suleiman ein presence give Kenya defensive solidity and free up creative midfielders like Alpha Onyango and Austine Odhiambo to operate further forward.
“Alpha dey very comfortable on de ball and fit play clean, progressive passes. Austine dey creative and fit score. Having Manzur do de dirty work behind dem be key,” McCarthy talk.
“He do one hell of a job protecting we back four—dat be exactly wetin we need.”
Odhiambo Delivers Decisive Moment!
De game ein only goal come for first-half stoppage time. Midfield maestro Austine Odhiambo slot home a beautiful finish after a well-worked move. Dis goal prove to be de difference, securing all three points for Kenya.
- Kenya beat DR Congo 1-0
- Coach McCarthy praise ein team ein bravery
- Manzur Suleiman ein midfield role be key
- Odhiambo score de winning goal