A Kenyan star has heaped praise on Benni McCarthy for the impact he has had on the national team following their ongoing success at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
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The 2025 edition of CHAN marks the first time the Harambee Stars have featured in the group stages of the competition. While they earned their place as tournament co-hosts, they have more than justified their inclusion by emerging as one of the standout performers at the continental showpiece.
Kenya claimed major scalps in the group stages, beating both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco, before sealing their quarter-final spot with a 1-0 victory over Zambia.
The decisive goal against Chipolopolo came from 20-year-old Ryan Ogam, who has now netted twice in the tournament. The youngster credited his form to head coach McCarthy, who took charge of the team earlier this year.
The South African tactician endured a slow start in his new role, failing to win his opening two FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but he has quickly turned things around at CHAN. Ogam was full of praise for the former Manchester United assistant coach after his winning strike against Zambia.
“I praise the coach for giving me the chance to be here, and being part of the team,” the youngster said, as per Pan Africa Football.
“It is a great feeling for any player, and maybe I was lucky to be part of it, or maybe I deserved it.”
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“This man (McCarthy), I thank him so much, because he is helping us a lot, integrating us as a team, and I would say because he was a key striker too, he is pushing me to get back to my levels, and even more.”
